House of Commons Hansard #36 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.
Ukrainian Heritage Month Act First reading of Bill S-210. The bill declares September as Ukrainian Heritage Month across Canada annually, recognizing the contributions of Ukrainian Canadians and the importance of preserving their heritage, especially given Russia's actions in Ukraine. 200 words.
Military Justice Modernization Act Second reading of Bill C-11. The bill C-11] modernizes the military justice system by [transferring jurisdiction for sexual offences committed in Canada from military to civilian courts. Members support the principle but debate its effectiveness. Concerns include 10 years of government inaction, potential political interference, civilian court capacity, and different treatment for overseas cases. Parties seek further study on cultural change, victim support, and implementation details. 22300 words, 3 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Today, the hon. member for Fredericton—Oromocto will be leading us in the singing of O Canada.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, today is Bike Day on the Hill.
In a non-partisan spirit, I will give a shout-out to the former MP in this place who always led bike day, John Weston, who used to represent West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country.
I want to pay tribute to the wonderful volunteers in Saanich—Gulf Islands who have worked so hard to make sure we have paths for safe cycling. To Island Pathways on Salt Spring Island, to MAP, Moving Around Pender, and to all who share the vision of a Salish Sea trail to bring bicyclists all around the beautiful southern Gulf Islands, I give a huge shout-out of thanks, particularly to my dear friend Bob MacKie, who has led so many cycling campaigns, to Robin Jenkinson and certainly to the many more I cannot mention in the time I have left.
Cycling is good for health, good for the environment and good for our economy.
Alana Hirtle Liberal Cumberland—Colchester, NS
Mr. Speaker, In Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, the father-daughter team at Holdanca Farms is doing something extraordinary. Beyond some fantastic beef cattle they raise, John and Maria have been awarded the Canadian Cattle Association's Environmental Stewardship Award for their care of an entire ecosystem that includes more than 1,000 species across 500 north shore acres. These two farmers insist on long-term, intergenerational thinking, and they are providing us proof that when we commit to protecting things for generations to come, we can build things that truly last.
We need more of this energy. The climate crisis demands this kind of intergenerational thinking. The same is true for health care, housing and energy. In each of these things, we would do well to keep future generations at the centre of our deliberations in this chamber.
Richard Martel Conservative Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am incredibly proud to announce that the scientific research on Atlantic halibut in the Saguenay Fjord is now complete and we are expecting a final report by the end of October.
The spectacular images that have come out of this project have sparked global enthusiasm and have been viewed millions of times around the world. This exceptional visibility has fuelled the creativity of our local businesses, inspired the creation of new artisanal products and revitalized regional commercial activity.
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Contact Nature, Promotion Saguenay, the Musée du Fjord and Professor Sirois and his team at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, as well as the fishers and fish enthusiasts who carry on the proud tradition of fishing in the Saguenay Fjord. Through their efforts, this project has become a true collective success of which the entire region can be proud.
Tom Osborne Liberal Cape Spear, NL
Mr. Speaker, today marks the seventh annual Canadian Beer Day, a day to celebrate Canadian beer and our world-class brewers, large and small, that brew from coast to coast to coast. Celebrated each year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Canadian Beer Day brings Canadians together to celebrate the economic, social and cultural contributions of brewing across this country.
Canadian beer is more than just a refreshing beverage; it is part of who we are as Canadians. This day is a toast to the family farmers growing the finest barley in western Canada, to the proud breweries of my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador and to the maltsters, warehouse workers, truck drivers, retailers and bartenders who bring it from field to glass.
Our brewers are at the heart of our communities, large and small, urban and rural. Together, they directly employ 24,000 Canadians and support more than 149,000 jobs across the beer value chain—
Canadian Beer DayStatements by Members
Dan Mazier Conservative Riding Mountain, MB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the historic accomplishment of a local business that has been serving the community of Treherne, Manitoba, and surrounding area for over a century. Metcalfe's Garage has successfully operated for the last 125 years and is now proudly the oldest family-owned Ford dealership in Canada.
The journey of Metcalfe's Garage began in 1900 with the vision of Thomas and Clare Metcalfe. The Metcalfes began serving their community by selling the Ford Model T, even teaching people how to drive after they purchased it. Five generations later, Metcalfe's Garage has remained a family-owned company with the same commitment to hard work and service to the community.
The story of Metcalfe's Garage inspires us all, proving that true success comes from putting the local community first. On behalf of the House of Commons, I want to congratulate the Metcalfe family and their amazing team for 125 years of work and service to our rural region.
Marianne Dandurand Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Speaker, this being Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to a trail-blazing woman in municipal politics: Françoise Bouchard, the outgoing mayor of Dixville. Originally from the Eastern Townships, Ms. Bouchard was the first female city manager, the first female municipal councillor and the first female mayor of her town. She made local history with her fierce commitment, her indomitable spirit and her quiet pride.
Since 1984, she has devoted no less than 40 years of her life to politics. At 84, she is now the oldest mayor in Quebec. Despite her venerable age, she has not lost her spark. During her last term in office, the municipality has been able to acquire unused buildings to lay the foundation for an ambitious project to set up municipal offices, build a community centre and provide accessible housing. Ms. Bouchard's accomplishments command respect. I thank her for everything she has done.
Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of FireFighter Aid Ukraine, an organization that embodies Edmonton's compassion and spirit. Started after Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, the FFAU has been a lifeline to the brave first responders in Ukraine. It has collected firefighter gear, life rescue equipment and vital medical supplies from Canadian and U.S. first responders and vendors, delivering over 450 tonnes of supplies directly to the front lines.
The volunteers have made countless trips to Ukraine and provided thousands of hours of hands-on medical and trauma training. They have even brought over bomb-sniffing dogs Fergus and Torch to assist in saving lives in Ukraine.
At the heart of this tireless work is the executive director, Kevin Royle. Along with board members Chris, Eva, Linda, Stuart, Nikki and Dennis, they reflect the very best of Edmonton selflessness.
I thank Kevin, the board and all the volunteers. lt is because of people like them that Edmonton is known as the city of champions.
Ryan Turnbull Liberal Whitby, ON
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate one of Whitby's finest, Olivia Smith, a remarkable athlete who at just 20 years old made history. This past July, she broke another glass ceiling in women's sports, signing with the Arsenal Football Club. She earned a world-record fee of one million British pounds, becoming the most expensive signing in women's football history.
Her journey began at age five at the Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club, and she is now blazing a trail in the U.K.'s top league. With nine goals scored this past season, she has already earned the women's young player of the year award from the Professional Footballers' Association. What a feat.
As a soon-to-be dad of three girls, I know that little girls and fans all across Canada, including in Whitby, are inspired by Olivia's every move. We are all cheering for Olivia.
Rhonda Kirkland Conservative Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, growing up in Oshawa, the nightly routine was simple: dinner at home, or at Teddy's if we were lucky, and then spend as much time outside as possible knowing it was time to go home when the street lights came on. However, now that crime has gotten so bad, the new nightly routine is for a person to lock their car, hide their valuables and turn on their security system if they have one.
Police in Durham Region and across the country are now urging Canadians to take part in what they call the 9 p.m. routine, asking residents to secure their property before bed. This is the reality after 10 years of Liberal soft-on-crime laws.
On Monday, despite pleas from police associations, victims and countless other law-abiding Canadians, the Liberals voted against our Conservative motion to strengthen Canada's bail laws and put public safety first. We need to scrap Liberal bail and keep violent repeat offenders behind bars because Canadians should not need a bedtime checklist.
Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Mr. Speaker, June 24 is Quebec's national holiday. This year, it was also a day of collective mourning for an entire nation. Serge Fiori, the great Serge Fiori, Fiori the wise, Fiori the madman, Fiori the gentle, affectionate soul, our friend Serge Fiori is now among the angels, singing the most beautiful melodies they have ever heard.
Fiori of Harmonium, Fiori with Séguin, Fiori solo, Fiori the Quebecker left us in the midst of his nation's celebrations. Even in the depths of my grief, I thought his timing was apt. He left behind a people whose hopes he often sang about and whose sovereignty he supported. I still cherish the support he offered me.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois and in the presence of Mario Lefebvre and Serge Grimaux, his collaborators and close friends, who are my friends too, I again extend my condolences to his partner, Hélène Lévesque, his family and all those who loved him.
He went away before he could see the national dream become reality.
To Fiori, my friend: “It will be our turn, it won't be long.”
When that day comes, we will think of Serge.
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Speaker, this week, 400 community leaders from across Canada, including municipal governments, indigenous communities and community organizations, are gathered in Halifax for the Livable Cities Forum. Hosted by ICLEI Canada and the Halifax Regional Municipality, the forum’s purpose is clear: to accelerate climate action in our communities by working together through creative and ambitious partnerships. Together, delegates are exploring solutions to the challenges our communities are facing all across Canada: safeguarding against climate impacts, building long-term climate financing and building affordable housing and transformative energy infrastructure.
Bringing this conference to Halifax was an initiative I was proud to be a part of in my past role. While I am sad to miss this event, I am honoured to celebrate it with my new colleagues here in the House of Commons. Building a Canada that is resilient, net-zero and equitable is only possible when diverse voices come together and are heard, something our government recognizes and values.
I commend the work of all those involved and wish them—
Livable Cities ForumStatements by Members
Carol Anstey Conservative Long Range Mountains, NL
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister asked to be judged by the prices at the grocery store.
Long Range Mountains families are working hard to keep food on the table, yet each visit brings shock at the checkout. The price of staples has soared because of the Liberal government's hidden taxes. Those baked-in taxes are clear: the industrial carbon tax on fertilizer and farm equipment, the inflation tax from money-printing deficits, carbon tax two and now the food packaging tax that makes everyday necessities even more expensive. Edward, a senior in the community of Irishtown, told me that he cannot afford a steak dinner even once in a while because it costs him over $50. Canadians are spending $800 more on food this year and local food banks are seeing record demand.
Conservatives offered a simple solution to stop the Liberal taxes on food and they shamefully voted against it. We will keep fighting for Canadians because we know they cannot afford another Liberal broken promise.
Pauline Rochefort Liberal Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON
Mr. Speaker, this week, the House of Commons welcomes the Canadian Airports Council to Ottawa. Included are representatives from my community's Jack Garland Airport in North Bay. From Jack Garland Airport, citizens in need of specialized medical services fly to Toronto. There are firefighters who jump on an airplane at a moment's notice to assist communities facing natural disasters. From North Bay, mining executives travel the globe to share leading-edge products and services.
Airports are essential, so I give a very special thanks on behalf of all of us to the airport personnel who work to ensure this sector is thriving for the betterment of North Bay and similar communities across our vast country. We thank them. Meegwetch.
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised Canadians the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Instead, Canada now has the fastest-shrinking economy and the second-highest unemployment rate.
The Prime Minister said to judge him by grocery prices, and these are rising even faster. He promised to “build, baby, build”, but his anti-development policies are driving investment away. He promised nation building at speeds once thought impossible, yet not one single permit has been issued. He promised a trade deal with the United States by July 21 and still there is no deal. He promised elbows up on U.S. tariffs, which are now twice as high. He promised to spend less, and spending is up billions. He promised to invest more, but investment is leaving the country at an unprecedented rate.
Canadians need action, not more empty promises.
Steeve Lavoie Liberal Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, on September 23, a fire ravaged Patro Roc‑Amadour, in the heart of Limoilou. A true pillar of our community, this organization supports hundreds of families, children, seniors, and people living with disabilities every week.
The losses are staggering. Over $100,000 in food has been destroyed, and essential services, such as meals on wheels, have been disrupted. The community rallied immediately. In Beauport—Limoilou, solidarity is not just a word, it is a way of life. Locals, volunteers and organizations have already come together to support Patro and help it get back up and running. This outpouring of generosity shows how strong our community is. When adversity strikes, we answer the call.
I urge everyone to give what they can to Patro Roc‑Amadour so that it can reopen and continue to feed, support and bring together our community.
Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB
Mr. Speaker, have you ever dreamed about winning the lottery? Well, Donald Trump hit the jackpot. Yesterday, the Prime Minister committed $1 trillion of investment to the United States. That is on top of the $500 billion that fled from Canada in the last five years and the $50 billion that left just this year under the government.
Let us put this into perspective. That is the equivalent of doubling our national debt. Canadians are left with less investment, fewer jobs and fewer wages. When the Prime Minister said that he was going to “build, baby, build”, Canadians thought he meant Canada, but what he really meant was closing mines in Quebec and opening them in Pennsylvania, shutting down mills in B.C. and opening them in Washington, and shutting down auto plants in Ontario and opening them in Michigan. American tariffs have doubled and the Prime Minister is bragging about pushing $1 trillion of Canadian investment to the United States. That is not a plan for growth. It is a plan for surrender.
Why is the Prime Minister giving Donald Trump $1-trillion jackpot?
Taleeb Noormohamed Liberal Vancouver Granville, BC
Mr. Speaker, on October 12, lsmaili Muslims from Vancouver to Halifax, from Resolute to Laval and from around the world will celebrate the 54th birthday of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, his first since his ascension to the seat of the lsmaili lmamat.
As our 50th imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim continues the legacy of his father as a strong partner to Canada. It is a partnership built on the shared principles of improving the quality of life of those less fortunate, supporting pluralism, fighting climate change, building resilience and ensuring we find ways to work together, across differences, here at home and around the world. His example to us is that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and that we must build carefully and thoughtfully for the long term.
For lsmailis, these values resonate in our commitment to building Canada. From coast to coast to coast, lsmailis are inspired by the example of our imam to serve our communities, to build economic prosperity and to be engaged members of Canadian society. On this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to these values and to the important guidance we receive from our imam.
I invite all members of the House to join me in wishing His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan a very happy birthday.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we now know why President Trump wanted this Prime Minister in power so badly. He wanted a weak leader whose pro-tax and anti-development policies are sending billions of dollars and jobs to the United States.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister promised President Trump $1 trillion over the next five years if we get the agreement that we think we are going to get. He is going to drive investment out of Canada, causing mills, mines and plants in Canada to close downs. Families will lose their jobs.
Did the Prime Minister get an end to the tariffs on softwood lumber in exchange for this gift?
International TradeOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Things are not getting off to an auspicious start today.
From the top, the right hon. Prime Minister.
Mark Carney Liberal Nepean, ON
Mr. Speaker, we have another opportunity to give the Leader of the Opposition a quick economics lesson.
The economies of Canada and the U.S. are highly integrated. Yesterday, I also gave the U.S. President a brief economics lesson. What is at stake is Canadian investment in the U.S.
If we do not have a good agreement, this government will negotiate one.