Debates of Oct. 9th, 2025

Leader in Veterinary Medicine

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar and his new book The Underdog. In 1995, Dr. Bhullar became the first Indo-Canadian veterinarian to open a low-cost clinic in Vancouver, making quality animal care affordable for all. He worked with animal welfare groups, helped train many immigrant veterinarians and built a model of inclusion, but his success faced barriers and discrimination, leading to one of the longest human rights trials in Canadian history and a public apology from the College of Veterinarians of B.C.

The Underdog is a story of struggle, resilience and courage to fight for justice. I commend Dr. Bhullar for this important contribution to our community and to Canada.

Calgary Canucks

[David McKenzie, Conservative, Calgary Signal Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to extend congratulations to the Calgary Canucks, a junior hockey club in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Their determination, skill and community spirit brought home a momentous victory. On May 18, 2025, in Calgary at the Max Bell Centre, our team triumphed in the Centennial Cup with a commanding 7-2 win over the Melfort Mustangs, securing their first National Junior A Championship in 30 years.

On behalf of this House, and indeed all Albertans and all Canadians, I thank the Calgary Canucks for reigniting our pride and illustrating how sport can unite, inspire and give hope. With community support, collective effort, and determination, greatness is achievable.

Please join me in congratulating the 2025 Centennial Cup champions, the Calgary Canucks.

Human Rights in Iran

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, just weeks ago, thousands gathered outside the United Nations in New York to demand a free and democratic Iran. Led by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the rally united international dignitaries, politicians and supporters of the Iranian resistance in rejecting dictatorship and calling for a future rooted in liberty, justice and democratic values.

A deeply troubling UN report released just days ago reveals an unprecedented execution spree in Iran, with over 1,000 people executed in just nine months. UN experts warn that Iran is carrying out executions at an industrial scale. The NCRl's 10-point plan rejects foreign intervention and appeasement and champions democratic change, led by the Iranian people.

Canada must continue to stand with all those fighting for human rights and democratic freedoms around the world.

Digital Health Care

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the eMental Health International Collaborative is bringing the world to Canada for the 10th Digital Mental Health Global Congress in Toronto. Under the leadership of Professor Anil Thapliyal, hundreds of experts from dozens of countries will gather to build the future of mental health care.

Worldwide, the need for mental health supports outstrips our ability to provide help the traditional way. Through the use of innovative digital tools, we can change just that. Digital tools offer the ability to bring health care to the patient in a timely manner and to cater to the individual needs of patients. Technology offers hope, it offers care and it offers a way to scale up that is not possible any other way. It offers the possibility of providing the same level of care no matter where someone lives.

I would like to welcome all the delegates and look forward to being a part of this important work.

International Day of the Girl Child

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

Mr. Speaker, October 11 marks International Day of the Girl Child, a day to celebrate the strength, intelligence and hopes of girls, here in Canada and elsewhere.

It is also a time to reflect on the challenges they still too often face: unequal access to education, violence, poverty and a lack of role models in decision-making positions. As parliamentarians, we have a duty to build an environment where every girl can flourish fully and without compromise.

As a father to three girls, this day is very important to me. Every day, I see their curiosity and their desire to contribute to a world that is more just. My three daughters, like so many other girls, inspire me to work for a future where their dreams face no obstacles.

Investing in them means contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. I commend all the girls of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno—L'Acadie and elsewhere, who remind us, through their courage and commitment, that change begins now.

Nigel Wright

[John Williamson, Conservative, Saint John—St. Croix, NB]

Mr. Speaker, it was a terrible, awful shock to learn of Nigel Wright's sudden passing. Nigel was a good man, maybe the best among us. He had titles, success and stature, but he was humble. He demonstrated humility when he could have been filled with pride.

Nigel had a great commitment to charity. This too did not fully capture Nigel's goodness. His deepest devotion was to God. From that faith, everything followed.

Humility is rare in public life. We think it means being overlooked or even walked over. Saint Augustine asked, “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending.” He taught that humility is the foundation of all Christian virtues. It allows us to acknowledge our limitations.

Nigel lived a Christian life, a servant's life. I pray that Nigel is now in heaven with his God, his Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Autonomous Shuttle in Kanata

[Jenna Sudds, Liberal, Kanata, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today, I am excited to announce the launch of Canada's first all-season, medium-speed autonomous shuttle right here in Ottawa in my riding of Kanata in Canada's largest technology park.

Operating along a 4.5-kilometre route with eight stops, the shuttle connects employees, students and visitors throughout the park. It reduces emissions, improves accessibility and supports a more connected and inclusive community. The shuttle is equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence and safety systems, allowing it to operate safely in all seasons and showcasing Canadian innovation in action.

This launch today positions Ottawa as a global leader in smart mobility and moves us closer to a future of cleaner, smarter and more sustainable transportation.

I congratulate all involved for making this happen.

Public Safety

[Fred Davies, Conservative, Niagara South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the residents of Niagara were shocked over the brutal sexual assault of a three-year-old toddler by sexual predator Daniel Senecal. Nearly a year after the Liberal election promise to “act decisively to strengthen the Criminal Code” and protect victims by strengthening bail laws, the government has done nothing. The impact on my community is profound and has mobilized brave people, survivors and the entire region to demand changes to the Criminal Code.

I have talked to the first responders in my community. These men and women have children of their own. The chief of Welland's fire services told me that it is important that MPs and leaders from across Canada understand the devastating impact these crimes have on the brave people we depend on to protect us every single day.

We are done with the reckless Liberal hug-a-thug, weak-on-crime, catch-and-release justice system. Canadians do not feel safe in their neighbourhoods and their homes. lt is time for the Liberals to step up or let Conservatives do it.

World Egg Day

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, October 10 is World Egg Day, so I would like to salute producers in Berthier—Maskinongé, across Quebec and around the world.

Let us all acknowledge the importance of this top-quality, healthy, nutritious food. Eggs are so versatile that it is almost impossible to imagine a recipe in which they cannot be used. Best of all, eggs are produced here.

Let us recognize our farmers' extraordinary contribution and acknowledge the place of the next generation in this industry. These farmers, their families and their communities all rely on our supply management system for ongoing prosperity and regional vitality. Let us continue to support them. Let us not allow headwinds and outside pressures to throw us off course, because food system resilience is priceless.

I wish everyone a happy World Egg Day.

Outstanding Athlete in Port Moody—Coquitlam

[Zoe Royer, Liberal, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as we mark Women's History Month, I rise to recognize an outstanding athlete from my riding of Port Moody—Coquitlam, Karen Lutz.

Karen competed with the first-ever team Canada Paralympics team at the dragon boat world championships in Thailand in 2023 and Germany in 2025. Her local senior C women's team earned silver at the Canadian nationals this August, qualifying them for the dragon boat world championships in Taiwan next year.

Karen's story reminds us that there is no age limit on achieving one's dreams. She is a role model for women and girls across Canada.

Karen Lutz embodies the very best of team Canada: strength, perseverance and pride. She has made Port Moody—Coquitlam and all of Canada proud. I congratulate Karen.

World Mental Health Day

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, on World Mental Health Day, let us remember that there is no health without mental health. Every day, 12 Canadians die by suicide and a further 200 attempt suicide. That is 73,000 Canadians per year, and thousands more struggle in silence.

Earlier this week, I received a message from the wife of a first responder who died by suicide. She asked me to remind my colleagues that the brave men and women behind the badge are someone's husband, father, daughter, brother, friend or colleague. They put their uniforms on every day to serve us and our families and keep us safe, and we are failing them. Whether it is our brave police officers, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, correctional officers or even the PPS officers here on Parliament Hill, they are all someone's loved one and they matter.

Those who are struggling are not alone. If they or their loved ones are in crisis, help is available 24-7. They can call or text 988. Remember that it is okay not to be okay. Our world is a better place with them in it.

Canadian Egg Farmers

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

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, egg farmers across Canada will celebrate World Egg Day, recognizing the critical role that eggs play for Canadian families and recognizing the contributions of egg farmers to Canada’s resilient domestic food system.

More than 1,200 egg farmers support businesses and communities in this country on an ambitious growth agenda to increase production and consumption in alignment with the government's vision for sustainable growth. I know this, as I grew up on an egg farm collecting roughly 3,000 eggs daily as a child.

Egg farmers are proud partners in regional economies and food security. Egg farmers sustain thousands of local jobs, strengthen rural economies and provide Canadians with a reliable, high-quality source of protein.

I thank all parliamentarians for their support of our Canadian egg farmers and ask them to join me in wishing our farmers a happy World Egg Day.

Liberal Party of Canada

[Fraser Tolmie, Conservative, Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed the applause of the Liberals as they stood in the House cheering the loss of Canadian jobs. They cheer as Saskatchewan farmers have to deal with tariffs alone and pat themselves on the back making farmers pay longer loans. They cheer at the news that car manufacturing is shutting down in Canada and is heading south of the border. They cheer as they try to borrow their way out of debt and burden Canadians with more taxes.

They give standing ovations when we watch investment dollars go south of the border in trillion-dollar giveaways to Trump. The Prime Minister said it is okay that Canadian investments go south of the border because it's a free market there. It is a free market there, but not here. Who do the Liberals represent? Whose side are they on?

What would struggling Canadians be grateful for this Thanksgiving? It is a Prime Minister who stops breaking his promises to Canadian working families and a government that represents Canada.

Global Dignity

[Giovanna Mingarelli, Liberal, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this October marks the 20th anniversary of Global Dignity, a non-religious, non-political non-profit that celebrates the inherent dignity of every person.

Every year, more than one million young people in 80 countries participate in Global Dignity Day, reaching more than eight million people around the world every year. On October 15, young people across Canada will be celebrating this day by participating in workshops, projects and activities that promote kindness, respect and inclusion.

I would like to recognize Inuit artists and youth such as Tony Eetak, Krish Agrawal, Eva Suluk and Jamie Bell, with the Art Borups Corners collective, who will join with partners in Norway and the United States to share 20 dignity-themed short stories with the world.

I invite all members of the House to join me in congratulating Global Dignity on 20 years of tremendous impact.

Together, let us celebrate the voices of Canada's youth, who remind us that dignity is the foundation of a just and compassionate society.

Toronto Blue Jays

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie South—Innisfil, ON]

Mr. Speaker, how could we not love Vladdy and David Ortiz repeating after the game, “Da Yankees lose!”? Actually keeping their elbows up against the Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays have punched their ticket to the American League championship, with a 5-2 victory last night. Credit goes to Ross Atkins, Mark Shapiro and manager John Schneider and his staff for building a culture where players play for each other, not for themselves. Along the way, they have allowed an entire nation to be part of this season. This is how championships are built.

From Vladdy to Bo, Ernie to Gaus, Daulton to Kirky, Canadians know this team by their first names and nicknames. We are all part of this ride now, and I think I speak for every Canadian when I say we want it all. We want them to win the ALCS and we want them to win the World Series. We want it all.

As the Blue Jays wait for their next opponent, start spreading the news. I wish I could say it like John Schneider said it. For the first time since 2016, the Blue Jays are going to the ALCS.

Tribute to a Father

[Louis Villeneuve, Liberal, Brome—Missisquoi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honour my 93-year-old father, André, who is visiting Ottawa. His honesty, wisdom and humanity have made him a constant source of inspiration to me.

Through him, I want to recognize all the women and men who built the country that we have the good fortune to live in today. Our seniors are the living memory of our nation. They remind us that intergenerational solidarity is central to our identity. Honouring our elders means recognizing their contributions and carrying on their work by doing our part to build a just, welcoming and humane country.

I want to thank my father for the example he set and for everything his generation accomplished.

International Trade

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, while the Americans are increasing their tariffs on our softwood lumber and automobiles, the Prime Minister has made a huge promise to the United States. He said that Canada had already invested half a billion dollars over the past five years and that $1 trillion would likely be invested over the next five years if we get the agreement we expect.

The Prime Minister said this would be private money. Is he going to force investors to go to the United States or is he going to encourage them to invest here, in Canada?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, today is a momentous day, and I am sure all parliamentarians would join me in recognizing the historic progress that has been made in the Middle East under President Trump's 20-point peace plan.

On behalf of the members, I would like to commend the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey and the architects of the plan, Mr. Kushner and Mr. Witkoff, and to underscore, as I did to the president and to Mr. Kushner, Canada's full support in ensuring that all parties implement all phases of this plan.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it is true that President Trump should be congratulated for his Middle East peace agreement.

However, I asked the Prime Minister a question in French about Canadian jobs. The Prime Minister should show a bit of respect for Quebec and for francophones who are losing their jobs right now and he should answer the question.

He promised that the agreement he will sign with the Americans will result in another $1 trillion in investments being exported, which threatens the jobs of Canadians.

Did he get $1 trillion from the U.S. in return?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Canada currently has the best trade agreement with the United States in the world. That is the first point.

The second point is that we can improve that agreement and that is why the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy is in Washington negotiating with the Americans. In that context, there will be more investment here in Canada.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister came home empty-handed, with more tariffs on softwood and automobiles, but he made a massive promise of $1 trillion of investment that would leave Canada to go to the United States. He said that this would be part of the agreement that he expects to get. Right in the agreement, he is going to commit to moving $1 trillion out of Canada. Yesterday, he confirmed it would be private money.

How is he planning to do that? Is he going to pass a law forcing our pension funds to move their money south, or is he just going to continue with high-tax and antidevelopment policies that cause investment to flee?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I was there. I was there in the conversations with the president. I was there in the conversations in the Oval Office. I was there in the conversations afterwards.

The situation is this: We have the best deal in the world. We are in the process of making it better for the workers in the steel sector, for the workers in the aluminum sector, for our energy workers, for our auto workers, for our workers in forest products, for our workers across this great land because we believe in Canada. We will not rest until we have the best deal.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, what we have is the fastest-shrinking economy in the G7, with the second-highest unemployment.

He was there, so he has a duty to tell Canadians, who are the owners of this $1 trillion he wants to push out of our country, what is in this deal. He said it would actually be in the agreement that he is going to move $1 trillion of private money south.

There are two ways to do that. Is he going to pass a law forcing investors to sell Canadian investments, putting people out of work here to invest in the south, or is he going to kill jobs with high taxes and antidevelopment policies that send money away?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I know the hon. member was not here when this government cut income taxes, cut capital gains taxes and cut the carbon tax. I know the hon. member was not here when this government passed legislation for one Canadian economy and to build major projects across this great land, but the member opposite will be here when this government presents a generational investment budget on November 4, and we hope to have his support.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, he must be on to something here, because Canada has invested a half-trillion dollars in the U.S. over the last five years alone and probably a trillion dollars in the next five years if we get the agreement we expect to get. This is what the Prime Minister said. This is after he has failed to get tariffs lifted on our auto workers and our lumber workers, after thousands have lost their jobs and after he created the second-highest unemployment and the worst growth in the entire G7.

Here is a very direct question: The Prime Minister is committing a trillion Canadian investment dollars to head south to the U.S. Has he secured an agreement that President Trump will send the same here?