Debates of Oct. 7th, 2025

Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I find myself confused by the Conservatives' position on this matter. They say very vocally that they support the implementation of modern treaties and they say they support the recognition and implementation of indigenous rights in this country, yet they are vociferously objecting to the establishment of an agent of Parliament who would be mandated to track the government's progress toward implementing those very modern treaties.

It is a confusing position, and I encourage the Conservatives to go back to the drawing board and try again.

[Mario Simard, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I do not necessarily want to defend what my Conservative colleague just said, but as the saying goes, the past predicts the future. We have seen the Liberals forcefully and vehemently state on several occasions that the Parliamentary Budget Officer's reports were unfair and then refuse to act on them. I wonder if they will do the same thing to someone in charge of alerting us to unfortunate situations experienced by first nations.

I would like my colleague to talk to us about that. I would like him to perhaps be a little more frank and direct about what the government will do when it receives reports that directly contradict its policies.

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question.

It is an excellent question and an important one that speaks to the vital role that independent agents of Parliament play within our political system. They are not answerable to any government. They are answerable to this body, the Parliament of Canada. That is the source of their authority, and that is precisely why their role is so important. It means that very often, they will tell governments things that they do not want to hear. Certainly our Conservative colleagues will remember that from the decade when Mr. Harper was in power. Many reports of the agents of Parliament criticized that government, and rightly so because that is their function.

The modern treaty commissioner is a role that the government will heed and, indeed, I expect that role will have criticisms of government because that is the function we expect in the exercise of their duties.

[John-Paul Danko, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Mr. Speaker, another Conservative member from Vancouver Island recently made a statement that indigenous bands asked for residential schools, and supporters of the Conservative Party routinely engage in residential school denialism, supported by the Leader of the Opposition.

How would the member for Victoria respond to those kinds of comments and how are they received in his community?

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, indeed, just in the last week, I and many other British Columbians have been embarrassed at the travesty of the shambolic conduct of Conservatives in the province of British Columbia with respect to the question of reconciliation and indigenous rights and title. We have seen overt and unabashed residential school denialism. We have seen a flagrant attempt to whitewash history. We have seen patent disrespect heaped upon first nations in British Columbia and elsewhere across the country by all kinds of individuals closely aligned with the B.C. Conservative Party and the Conservative Party of Canada.

This is a debate that is being had by precisely one party in the House. There is no debate on this side of the aisle. We understand the legacies of residential schools. We heed the calls of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and we are determined to do better in the future and move forward in a good way.

[Juanita Nathan, Liberal, Pickering—Brooklin, ON]

Mr. Speaker, kwe kwe, taanshi. Hello.

Before we proceed, let us take a moment to recognize the gratitude we have for being gathered here on the traditional, unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, whose connection to this land continues to this day.

I am thankful for the time to speak today to the proposed legislation to establish a commissioner for modern treaty implementation. I will focus on the partnership approach that was used to codevelop this initiative with modern treaty partners.

The Government of Canada acknowledges the painful legacy of colonialism in this country and understands the need to change the path going forward. One way of doing so is through modern treaties, which have been an essential part of advancing reconciliation and building nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that are based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

Modern treaties are part of the constitutional framework of Canada and represent a distinct expression of reconciliation. They are created through negotiations with indigenous groups to reflect their specific needs, priorities and circumstances, be they political, economic, legal, historical, cultural or social.

In February 2023, the Government of Canada and modern treaty partners jointly announced Canada's collaborative modern treaty implementation policy. The policy acknowledges that Canada can and must do better with respect to modern treaty implementation. The policy was an important step forward, creating greater oversight to make sure the federal government keeps its modern treaty promises and is held accountable to Parliament for its commitments.

In March 2023, the Government of Canada and modern treaty partners began an intensive codevelopment process. It was facilitated mainly through the modern treaty implementation policy working group. The group consisted of representatives from most of the 27 modern treaties, and federal officials from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The groups that did not participate through this forum were engaged through their preferred methods.

Throughout the codevelopment period between March and September 2023, department officials also held over 90 engagements across the federal system with other government departments and agencies. The proposal was under federal consideration until May 2024.

At the second annual Intergovernmental Leaders Forum, the Government of Canada, modern treaty partners and self-governing indigenous governments came together to announce the intention to create an independent oversight body headed by a new commissioner of modern treaty implementation as an agent of Parliament. This new role would be a long-overdue, transformative shift in the modern treaty relationship that symbolizes a collaborative approach to governance and accountability.

The commissioner would work to hold the federal government accountable to its modern treaty obligations and objectives, as well as to the relationships they embody. Following the announcement, the Government of Canada began an extensive period of consultation and engagement on a draft legislative proposal to create the commissioner—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I am sorry to interrupt. The member will have close to six minutes left after question period.

Val‑des‑Monts School

[Tim Watchorn, Liberal, Les Pays-d'en-Haut, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on September 12, a major fire destroyed the Val‑des‑Monts elementary school in Prévost, which was quite a shock for the children, their families and the community.

Despite the fire department's quick response, the school was a total loss. However, Prévost is a tight-knit community and quickly sprang into action. The children were relocated to four other schools in the area and they were able to go back to class on September 18. The 400 children only missed three days of school.

This remarkable outcome was the result of outstanding efforts. I would like to highlight the work of the teachers and school administration of the Val‑des‑Monts school, the staff at the Centre de services scolaires de la Rivière‑du‑Nord, and Mayor Paul Germain and his team who organized a fundraiser that raised $140,000 to replace students' school supplies. I would also like to thank Sonia Bélanger, the MNA for Prévost, and Sonia Lebel, the education minister.

When a community works together for the well-being of children, anything is possible.

Softwood Lumber

[Helena Konanz, Conservative, Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Mayor of Grand Forks announced that the Interfor mill is closing indefinitely because of unjustified U.S. tariffs. To the people of Grand Forks and Boundary, this is devastating. The mill is an important employer; there are 150 jobs being lost in one small town.

I say to the families affected by the mill closure that I will continue to call on the Liberal government to get a softwood lumber deal, one that is fair to our workers in our communities like Grand Forks. Current programs and 10 years of Liberal pledges are not putting a roof over families' heads, putting food on the table or creating jobs like those that have been available at the Interfor mill for generations.

Grand Forks and its residents deserve more. Grand Forks families want their jobs back.

I say to the families of Grand Forks that my office is available to support them in any way I can.

Mental Health

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this Friday marks World Mental Health Day. Mental health is health. One in five Canadians experiences a mental illness each year in their daily life. From youth to seniors, mental health impacts every generation.

In Brampton South, community organizations such as the South Asian Canadians Health and Social Services, Roots Community Services, CMHA Peel Dufferin, KMH and many others are providing vital care and support. Our government has partnered with these organizations to strengthen supports for mental health and substance use. Canadians can get access to the care they need through our youth mental health fund and expanded Wellness Together Canada portal.

I want to thank all the dedicated mental health workers across Canada for their compassion and their commitment to helping others.

I say to anyone struggling that they are not alone. I ask them to please reach out and seek the supports—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Edmonton Southeast has the floor.

Mill Woods Cultural and Recreational Facility Association

[Jagsharan Singh Mahal, Conservative, Edmonton Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to recognize an organization that has greatly benefited the Mill Woods community in my riding of Edmonton Southeast.

The Mill Woods Cultural and Recreational Facility Association has raised money for and operates community leagues; the Mill Woods Golf Course; Jackie Parker Park, a sensory playground for autistic children; and much more. Over the past 50 years of operation, the organization has contributed over $10 million to the community. The work done by the staff, board and volunteers of the organization greatly benefits the city of Edmonton by bringing people together and providing them with fun recreational activities.

I thank the board and all members of the Mill Woods Cultural and Recreational Facility Association for all their hard work.

Children's Health Care

[Braedon Clark, Liberal, Sackville—Bedford—Preston, NS]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I came from a meeting with Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada, whose members have flown to Ottawa from across the country to meet with parliamentarians. They are focused on ensuring that Canada's children have access to care that is timely, equitable and designed with the unique needs of young people in mind.

We know that Canada's pediatric health system is facing mounting pressures as our population grows and children's needs become more complex. Strategic investment and collaboration will be crucial to making certain every child receives the care they deserve.

Children's health care is an investment in our future. As a parent of young children, I know that healthier kids are happier kids. Healthier kids make for happier and healthier parents too.

I invite all members to join me in supporting the vision of a Canada where every child, no matter where they live, can grow up healthy, supported and able to reach their full potential

Public Safety

[Dean Allison, Conservative, Niagara West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have unleashed a crime wave in Niagara like we have never seen before. It has gotten so bad that the Niagara Regional Police Service is reminding people to do a nighttime routine. They call it the 9 p.m. routine: “It’s 9pm, Niagara. Have you completed your #9pmRoutine? Ensure all your valuables are secure, cars, doors and windows are locked, and alarms are activated if you have them.”

This falls on the heels of Toronto police and York police telling people to leave their keys by the front door and lock themselves in the closet while criminals steal from their home. The only thing they did not say was to leave a full tank of gas, and cookies at the door.

This is happening as Liberals keep telling Canadians, “You've never had it so good.” Let me remind folks of the Liberal record. Liberal Bill C-5 eliminated mandatory minimum sentences for serious violent crimes. Bill C-75 requires judges to release accused offenders at the earliest possible opportunity and under the least onerous conditions.

Canadians live in fear as criminals roam the streets knowing they can do whatever they want to whomever they want and still be out on bail before the ink on their paperwork is even dry.

Basic Income Guarantee Program

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Mr. Speaker, Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying that a nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.

As parliamentarians, we have an opportunity and an obligation to take bold action to address income inequality in Canada. Day after day, we squabble in this place over who is at fault for the state of health care, food insecurity, criminality and low productivity, but at the root of all these challenges is one common denominator: poverty.

In Prince Edward Island, the legislature unanimously passed a resolution calling for a province-wide basic income guarantee demonstration project. Coalition Canada convened a working group to design a feasible and progressive program and published a comprehensive report on how it could work.

Today, advocates for the proposal are here in Ottawa. I want to thank them for their tireless dedication to ending poverty. I also thank the members from all parties who have met with them to learn more about this initiative, one that has the potential to become a true nation-building project for Canada.

Anti-Semitism

[Roman Baber, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we will remember the babies sliced, the women raped and the fathers beheaded. It has been two years since October 7. We keep saying “never again”, but it happened again.

I do not want the Liberals doing the Jewish community any favours. They rewarded the worst possible act of terror with a terrorist state, for votes. They are morally bankrupt.

However, it gets worse. Today, at the University of Toronto, there is a celebration called “honouring our martyrs”, with thugs hiding their faces in keffiyehs, glorifying murder. They are inciting violence, but nothing is going to happen.

A Jewish school in my riding has been shot at three times.

The Liberals have done a great job. They can save their tweets. They must start taking action against the extremism brewing in Canada. They have been warned.

May the people who are still in the tunnels come back, and may the memory of those whose lives were lost be a blessing.

Foreign Affairs

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, two years ago, the unthinkable happened. On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,219 people, including women and children, with unspeakable violence. It took 251 people hostage, 48 of whom still remain in captivity and approximately 20 of whom are still missing but presumed to be alive. On October 7, the Middle East was plunged into war.

On behalf of the Bloc québécois, I want to honour the memory of the innocent victims of October 7. I stand in solidarity with the entire Jewish community of Quebec. I want to reiterate that we firmly condemn Hamas, which must be denied any role in the future of Gaza and Palestine. I want to reiterate our hope that the current negotiations will lead to a lasting peace that includes the release of all hostages, as well as to a two-state solution and the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Lastly, and most importantly, I call on all Quebeckers of every religion and background to show each other more empathy and respect.

Women's Leadership in South Shore—St. Margarets

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, this October as we mark Women's History Month, I rise to celebrate an extraordinary leader from Cape Sable Island, Gail Atkinson. For more than two decades, Gail worked alongside her father, purchasing her own lobster licence and her own vessel, the Nellie Row. She went on to become one of the very few women here in Canada to captain a lobster boat.

In a field that has long been male-dominated, Gail charted her own course, demonstrating that determination, skill and leadership know no gender. Today she employs an almost all-female crew and remains deeply engaged in her industry, opening doors for women who aspire to have careers in our maritime trades. Gail's story is one not only of personal success but also of possibility for the young women and girls in our coastal communities who see their own future reflected in the water.

This Women's History Month, I am proud to honour Gail Atkinson for breaking barriers, inspiring others and strengthening the proud fishing heritage of South Shore—St. Margarets.

Young People in Canada

[Grant Jackson, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, instead of a mid-life crisis, we now have a crisis of the young. That is what researchers across Canada are saying about the happiness of Canadians. After 10 years of the Liberal government, Canada has fallen to its lowest point in global happiness rankings, and no one feels that more than young Canadians.

Once full of optimism and opportunity, our country has dropped to 58th in the world for life satisfaction among people under 30. That is what happens after years of Liberal mismanagement and prime ministers who chase photo ops and celebrity moments instead of solid policy at home. We have a housing crisis, record food prices and taxes that punish hard work.

The Conservatives will turn this around. We will build homes, not bureaucracy. We will lower costs, put violent criminals behind bars, not out on bail, and reward hard work so that young Canadians can once again believe their dreams are possible. The Conservatives are here for the young people in this country, this generation and the next, to restore hope for a bright future in Canada, the true north strong and free.

Mid-Autumn Festival

[Ali Ehsassi, Liberal, Willowdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my diverse riding of Willowdale, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all those celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Referred to by many as the Moon Festival, and in Korea as Chuseok, in Japan as Tsukimi and in Vietnam as Tet Trung Thu, it is considered one of the most cherished festivals by Asians around the world. It is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate a good harvest while also enjoying delicious cuisine and one another's company under a full moon.

To the many celebrating in Canada, may the glow of the full moon illuminate their path and bring them peace and prosperity throughout the year ahead.

Prime Minister of Canada

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Airdrie—Cochrane, AB]

Mr. Speaker, while the Liberal government claims to be fighting a trade war, its policies are directly helping the Americans. Due to their job-killing policies, like the west coast tanker ban, the oil and gas cap and others, the Liberals have caused many Canadian companies to invest billions of dollars in the United States rather than here at home, because, as the CEO of Enbridge said, “No company would build a pipeline to nowhere.”

The Prime Minister told Canadians that he would unleash national projects and bring new revenue into Canada to help ease the pain of Canadians, but he has done the exact opposite. Like his predecessor Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister makes grand statements but takes no action, and action speaks much louder than words. Until he gets out of the way or removes his job-killing regulations, Canada will continue to fall further and further behind.

How can the Prime Minister say that he is fighting for Canadians when he is funding the U.S. President's war on Canadian workers?

Alexandre Look

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Alex Look was a force of nature. He embodied love, generosity and courage. He was Raquel and Alain's son and Kayla's brother. He had friends and family who loved him. He grew up in Montreal but was also a man of the world who spoke seven languages and ran an international business. He was the life of any room.

Alex was also a proud Jew. On October 7, 2023, he was vacationing in Israel attending a music festival, when dozens of armed Hamas terrorists attacked. He calmed people down and stood at the door of a shelter blocking the terrorists.

He died a hero, saving the lives of others. He was one of the eight Canadians and 1,200 people murdered that day, when 251 people were taken hostage, some of whom are still in tunnels under Gaza.

On this anniversary, let us remember that this war was started by Hamas terrorists who have brought nothing but misery to Israelis and Palestinians. Let us pray for those murdered and their families, for the immediate release of hostages and for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace.

Judaism

[Shuv Majumdar, Conservative, Calgary Heritage, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the prism refracts the light. Two years ago, the world turned on itself, with an epidemic of anti-Semitism against the Jews and their state, the greatest test of our generation and our way of life, a fight for civilization over our medieval rivals.

Across millennia, Jews have faced down Haman and Antiochus, and, in the last century, Hitler and Hamas. All through this, Canadian Jews have taken their mezuzahs off their doors out of fear, students have hid and mobs have gathered outside classroom doors, as everything we know, everything we are, is torturously inverted.

Where were we. May the memories of Ben, Vivian, Judih, Adi, Alexandre, Netta, Shir and Tiferet be a blessing. May we remember that the source of both pain and joy is love. In this broken prism, I thank God for the Jewish world that is the light.

Ordre de la Pléiade

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

Mr. Speaker, in my role as chair of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, I had the privilege of presenting the insignia of the Ordre de la Pléiade to five extraordinary Canadians at a ceremony held on September 23. These leaders of the French fact were recognized for their ongoing commitment and dedication to promoting the French language in the arts, business, community and politics.

Édith Butler was promoted to the rank of Commander of the Ordre de la Pléiade, while René Arseneault, Karl Blackburn, André Gagnon and Agnès Mbome Moume received the knight's medal.

I want to thank all my parliamentary colleagues who joined me at this ceremony.

I would also like to congratulate the recipients and thank them for all that they have done and continue to do for the French language in Canada.

Employment

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised us that he would negotiate a victory with the United States and that there would be a deal by July 21 of this year. There is still no deal and no victory, and American tariffs have doubled.

Today, the Prime Minister made his biggest concession of all by promising to push $1 trillion in investment out of Canada and into the United States. That means lower wages and fewer jobs for Canadian workers.

Why are Canadian workers always on the menu when the Prime Minister goes for lunch at the White House?