House of Commons Hansard #34 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was victims.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Military Justice System Modernization Act Second reading of Bill C-11. The bill modernizes the military justice system, aiming to improve safety and trust within the Canadian Armed Forces. It removes jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada from military courts, implements recommendations from the Arbour and Fish reports to strengthen independence for key roles, and expands victim support. Conservatives raise concerns about civilian court capacity and potential political interference. The Bloc Québécois supports the bill's advancement but criticizes the years of governmental inaction. 48300 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Canada Labour Code First reading of Bill C-247. The bill amends the Canada Labour Code to repeal section 107, aiming to prevent governments from forcing striking workers back to work and uphold the right to strike and free collective bargaining. 200 words.
Time Change Act First reading of Bill C-248. The bill proposes holding a pan-Canadian conference with provinces, territories, and Indigenous leaders to discuss ending the practice of changing clocks and establishing one fixed time across Canada. 200 words.
Scott Anderson Conservative Vernon—Lake Country—Monashee, BC
Mr. Speaker, I would certainly like to have seen the last 10 years be more productive, but, unfortunately, they were not. I do not think we should be passing flawed bills at all, especially when there are gaping holes that can easily be fixed.
I served for 10 years; I do not need lessons on how to respect the Canadian Forces.
Maggie Chi Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, which falls on the last Sunday of September.
Over 900 brave officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their communities, and we commemorate those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We honour their sacrifice and their families by building a safer Canada.
I am thankful to be able to advise the House that no police or peace officer was killed in the line of duty in 2024. Our profound hope is that we may say the same every year, yet every day, brave officers stand ready to face danger to keep us safe.
Throughout the summer, I had the pleasure of meeting the fine officers of Toronto Police Service 33 Division in my riding of Don Valley North. I commend their professionalism, compassion and commitment.
We owe police and peace officers an enduring debt of gratitude, and I thank them for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.
Michael Ma Conservative Markham—Unionville, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals broke our immigration system.
We have legitimately vulnerable persons from Hong Kong, Ukraine and Sudan who have been left in limbo on their path to permanent residency, despite already being in Canada. I have personally met with over 500 people in the Hong Kong pathways program across Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. They are all positively contributing to Canada. They are paying taxes, and they are integrating into our society.
Canada's asylum system was set up to protect truly vulnerable persons, but it is being abused through the chaotic Liberal immigration system.
Conservatives call for the Liberal government to fix the broken immigration system to help the many people who are being left behind.
Mike Lake Conservative Leduc—Wetaskiwin, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, or CAMIMH, and to highlight the importance of Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is taking place October 5 to October 11.
CAMIMH has spent the last 25 years ensuring mental health and substance use health remain national priorities, advocating for awareness, reducing stigma and demanding life-changing care.
Later this evening in Ottawa, CAMIMH will announce the 2025 Champions of Mental Health Awards, celebrating seven remarkable individuals and organizations making a lasting difference in communities across our country through their efforts.
I want to extend my warmest congratulations to this year's honourees for their leadership and commitment to advancing mental health and substance use health. Each of these recipients is proof that change is possible when compassion is matched with concrete action.
Together, let us continue striving for a Canada that understands and supports mental health and substance use health with the same urgency as physical health, a Canada that meets our awesome potential for everyone.
Distribution of School Supplies in Alfred‑PellanStatements by Members
Liberal
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, for the fourth year in a row, I had the privilege of leading the distribution of new school bags filled with school supplies to families in Alfred-Pellan who might be having a hard time in this back-to-school period.
This year, we handed out over 130 bags thanks to the generosity of our constituents and the essential support of the Centre d’enrichissement sportif et académique de Montréal, the Saint-François-de-Sales parish and the Centre communautaire Petit Espoir. I thank them so much. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces as I hand them the bags reminds me of how much of an impact a simple gesture can have.
Back to school is an important time for our young people. This gesture gives many families a fair and motivating start. I am proud to represent such a committed and supportive community.
Mike Dawson Conservative Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB
Mr. Speaker, across Canada tomorrow, rallies are being planned to celebrate the martyrs of Hamas. Let us be honest about who they are celebrating. They are not martyrs; they are monsters. They raped, tortured and murdered nearly 1,200 innocent Jews on October 7, 2023, and now their supporters plan to dance in our streets.
This is not free speech; it is hate speech meant to intimidate. This is not protest; it is glorifying terror.
Eighty years ago, the world said “never again”. The Nuremberg laws showed us that hate begins where it ends. When people cheer for those who slaughter Jews, history is repeating itself in real time.
If Canada cannot call evil by its name, then we have lost more than our moral compass: We have lost our soul.
I will not stay silent. I say shame on the Liberal government; shame.
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Speaker,
[Member spoke in Mandarin]
[English]
Today, millions celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. Not only is it an important celebration in Chinese culture, but similar celebrations are also held in Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian communities.
Like many traditional harvest festivals, it coincides with the full moon, and the focus is on family, food and prosperity. It is also known as the Mooncake Festival, with cakes that feature an egg yolk in the middle to signify the moon, which represents unity, harmony and prosperity.
The origin story of moon goddess Chang'e and her earth-bound husband Hou Yi is all about reunion. Moved by true love, the mother of the moon allows the couple to be reunited each year on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. This has now become a time of reunion around the world, particularly for families.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.
[Member spoke in Mandarin]
[English]
Dalwinder Gill Conservative Calgary McKnight, AB
Mr. Speaker, in April, the Prime Minister promised bail reform to keep repeat violent criminals off our streets, but half a year later, he has broken his promise and kept soft-on-crime Liberal catch-and-release laws in place. It is because of Liberal bail that gun crime across Canada is up 130%, hate crime is up 258%, homicide is up nearly 30% and extortion is up 357%.
Today, Conservatives are proposing a fast-track solution to pass our jail not bail bill right away to keep Canadians safe.
Will the Liberals scrap Liberal bail or get out of the way so that Conservatives can do it?
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers can feel even prouder today because Kim Clavel is once again the world boxing champion.
She told us that she would be stepping into the ring as a proud Quebecker and promised that she would once again become world champion. That is exactly what she did with a brilliant performance on September 28, defeating her Argentinian opponent by unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle.
By winning the International Boxing Federation's strawweight title, Kim Clavel became the first Quebec woman to be champion in two weight classes. She did this despite facing adversity and challenges. What a great example to set for all young Quebeckers, especially young Quebec women.
Our champion from Saint-Calixte now has her sights set on the World Boxing Council belt, but let us hope her rival has the courage to face her.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I want to congratulate Kim Clavel, our very own world champion.
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate women's history, I want to call attention to the outstanding achievement of a young woman from Sherbrooke who made history on September 27.
At the tender age of 24, Magdeleine Vallières-Mill, made it the top of the podium, winning gold in the road world championships in Rwanda. After racing over 160 kilometres and making a decisive push at the end, she crossed the finish line with a solid lead.
Never before has Canada won this title, that is, until Magdeleine came along. The young champion from Sherbrooke is living a dream right now and taking us along for the ride. Her victory has left her team, Sherbrooke and the entire country bursting with pride, with a story to tell and re-tell for years to come.
Canada will be hosting the world road championships next September, and our celebrated Sherbrooke champion will be on hand to defend her title, with the whole country there to cheer her on. Congratulations Magdeleine, and happy Women's History Month to everyone.
Scot Davidson Conservative New Tecumseth—Gwillimbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Blue Jays continue to annihilate the New York Yankees, but it is a swing and a miss every time the Prime Minister goes up against the Americans.
U.S. tariffs on Canada have doubled since the Prime Minister took office, and Canada now faces the highest unemployment rate in the G7. While the Blue Jays are hitting home runs, the Prime Minister keeps coming home with nothing. He has already blown past his own deadlines to secure a deal with the U.S., and the tariffs have only gotten worse. Businesses across the country and those in my community, like MiTek, Oetiker, Borden Metal Products and Honda, are paying the price for the Liberals' elbows-down approach.
With investment fleeing and unemployment rising, Canadians cannot afford another round of failed negotiations and a wasted trip abroad from the Prime Minister. It is time for him to stop striking out and finally deliver a win for Canada.
Brendan Hanley Liberal Yukon, YT
Mr. Speaker, when former senator Ione Christensen departed this world on September 15, the Yukon lost one of its best-loved leaders. A fourth-generation Yukoner, Ione's accomplishments are legion: first woman mayor of Whitehorse, first female commissioner of the Yukon and the first Yukon woman appointed to the Senate.
Beyond her political life, Ione loved the Yukon outdoors, rafting and hiking the waterways and trails of the territory, including the historic Chilkoot Trail, which she hiked over 20 times in the footsteps of her great-grandfather's first entry to the Yukon in 1897. That same great-grandfather carried over the Chilkoot Pass a small sack of sourdough passed on through generations and nurtured religiously by Ione through many a family Sunday pancake breakfast. The sourdough also thrives in the households of hundreds of grateful Yukoners. Just this weekend, I baked a couple of loaves in which I can truly say the spirit of Ione lives on.
Before her passing, I asked Ione for advice for our leaders. “Hang in there”, she whispered. We owe Ione no less an honour than to hang in there and stand up for Canada.
Alana Hirtle Liberal Cumberland—Colchester, NS
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sara Tessier of The Northpine Foundation. Sara's journey is one of remarkable courage and resilience. As a survivor who has faced immense personal challenges, she has not only persevered but has also transformed her lived experience into leadership. Sara is now a tireless champion for formerly incarcerated people: those who too often face stigma, systemic barriers and a lack of opportunity upon release.
Through her advocacy and her work at The Northpine Foundation, she is helping to break down those barriers, offering hope and opening doors to meaningful second chances. Her story reminds us that recovery and redemption are possible, and that with support and opportunity, people can rebuild their life and contribute greatly to our communities.
Sara Tessier is a fighter, a leader and an inspiration to us all.
Arpan Khanna Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, the tragic story of Bailey McCourt, who was murdered by her ex-partner in Kelowna, has been shared many times before in the House. Today I want to share a different perspective, from Christopher Anderson, the bystander who was just walking by and rushed to try to save her. He wrote to me, and with his permission, I share his words: “I ran towards them, but by the time I reached them, he was already hitting her in the head—over and over. I held her hand and told her she was safe and loved. I'm not writing to ask for anything specific. I just need you to know what happened. And I need others to know Bailey's name. She was a mother, a daughter, and a human being who deserved to live. People are dying in plain view. I don't believe we can afford to keep ignoring it.”
Violent crime has countless victims: the people whose lives were taken, the bystanders, the first responders, communities and the families who must carry on.
I urge all members to remember Bailey, hear Christopher's plea, put politics aside and vote to fast-track the jail not bail act today.
Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, to mark Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to a great Quebecker, Janette Bertrand.
As an author, journalist, playwright and communicator, for decades, she has brought women's words to the forefront on our screens and in our collective conversations. Her work has bravely discussed topics that had remained taboo for too long, such as equality in the workplace, domestic violence, stereotypes, consent, mental health, aging and dignity.
By giving a face, a voice and a human dimension to lived experiences, she has helped break taboos and advance equality in Quebec and Canada. Her influence spans generations. She has inspired women creators, empowered families and raised awareness among public decision-makers. At 100 years of age, she continues to inspire, encourage reflection and pave the way for women to thrive.
My thanks go out to Ms. Bertrand.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is off to Washington today. Once again he is wheels up but elbows down. Remember when he promised to negotiate a win with Donald Trump by July 21? Well, since he took office, U.S. tariffs on Canada have doubled, thousands of jobs have been lost and Canada has the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7. Businesses in St. Thomas, Elgin and London are still seeing no end in sight to the trade uncertainty. If this is a win, I would hate to see a loss.
However, the Prime Minister is not the only one heading to the United States; so are investors. We have lost nearly $54 billion in investment since he took office. Stellantis is pausing production in Ontario while investing $10 billion in the United States. Enbridge is building pipelines in the U.S. while saying that Liberal anti-energy laws are making it impossible to do it here.
Every time the Prime Minister faces Trump, he backs down: no deals, no progress, just more pain for Canadian workers.
Karina Gould Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The month encourages open dialogue to help break the silence surrounding a difficult experience faced by over 1,600 grieving families in Canada each year.
I am proud of my colleague from Burnaby North—Seymour for introducing Evan's law, a long-overdue measure to support grieving parents while on parental leave. Evan's law was inspired by the experience of a constituent of mine, whose personal grief can inspire lasting change.
When passed, Evan's law would amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code, ensuring that families would no longer experience additional trauma caused by having to notify Service Canada and file a new claim to continue receiving their benefits. This small change would mean that families would be able to focus on healing from their loss rather than navigating bureaucratic processes.
As we observe Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, let us create space for the voices of families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of an infant.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, criminals have been released onto our streets and chaos has been unleashed under Liberal laws.
In Saint-Jérôme, a woman was killed by her partner, a man who had been arrested 30 times before and had violated his release conditions 16 times. However, because of Liberal laws, he was released.
Today, we are voting on a Conservative motion to repeal these Liberal laws, put criminals in prison and restore safety for all Canadians. Will the Prime Minister allow it to pass?
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mr. Speaker, every Canadian deserves to be safe and to feel safe in their community.
Over the course of the recent federal election campaign, we made several commitments to help reform Canada's bail system and to advance stronger penalties for those who commit serious offences against their fellow Canadians.
We are willing to work across the aisle with other members to ensure that we put forward reforms that are informed by evidence, not ones that are seemingly copied and pasted from American-style bail laws. It is going to be only a matter of weeks before we advance new legislation to strengthen criminal justice reforms in this country. I hope all members from all parties support us.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I met with the head of the Peel Regional Police union, along with a group of crime victims. Among them was the Farooqi family. Aleem Farooqi rose at night to protect his kids from a home invader and was shot in the throat. He is dead. His brother came out and said the Liberal government should be ashamed of itself for keeping in place Liberal bail that has allowed for 1,600 crimes every single day.
We have a motion before the House to get rid of Liberal bail and restore safety to our streets. Will the Prime Minister let it pass?
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mr. Speaker, obviously when such violent circumstances arise in communities across the country, it is incumbent upon members of Parliament on both sides of the aisle to condemn them unreservedly.
I would remind my hon. colleague that some of the laws he points to in his many promises, including ones pertaining to self-defence, were in fact put into Canada's laws when the Conservatives last held power, while Stephen Harper was prime minister and the Leader of the Opposition was in his cabinet.
Moving forward, Conservatives, Liberals and others will see some of the strongest reforms being put in place when it comes to changing the bail system in this country and when it comes to adopting stiffer sentences for serious crimes.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised to negotiate a major victory with the Americans and have an agreement in place before July 21.
Tomorrow, he will announce the agreement that has been reached with the U.S. President. The Prime Minister's Office has told the media that all tariffs on aluminum and steel will be dropped.
Can the Prime Minister also confirm that the major victory he will announce tomorrow will include the elimination of tariffs on cars, lumber and all other Canadian products?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalPresident of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is right. At the invitation of the U.S. President, the Prime Minister will be going to Washington tomorrow to continue the important discussion on the trade relationship, how to protect jobs and industries in Canada and how to build an economy in North America that is in the interests of both countries. Other international issues will also be discussed.
I would have been surprised if the Leader of the Opposition had not been pleased with these efforts with our U.S. partner.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that he was going to negotiate a win with the president, that he would have a deal by July 21. Here we are in October, and tomorrow the Prime Minister is going to the White House to announce this deal. Surely he is not just going for a photo op and to make more excuses.
The Prime Minister's Office is already telling the media that there will be the full elimination of tariffs on steel and aluminum. Will the Prime Minister also confirm that this deal that he is announcing tomorrow, this win, will include the elimination of tariffs on autos and softwood lumber, and the elimination of buy America and all other protectionism against Canada?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalPresident of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade
Mr. Speaker, I remember the Leader of the Opposition and some of his colleagues criticizing the government for not having enough direct, face-to-face engagement with the President of the United States.
Good news is that the president has invited the Prime Minister to a working meeting tomorrow in Washington, followed by a working lunch. Obviously the conversation will centre on trade issues and what we want to do to protect Canadian industries and Canadian workers, at the same time building an economy in North America that is in the interest of both countries. The discussion will also talk about a series of other international issues.