House of Commons Hansard #55 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-14.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Criminal Code First reading of Bill S-228. The bill amends the Criminal Code to explicitly make forced or coerced sterilization without consent an aggravated assault, aiming to protect women, Indigenous women, and marginalized individuals in Canada. 200 words.
Extortion in Canada Pierre Poilievre requests an emergency debate on an "extortion crisis" across Canada, which he blames on Liberal border and justice policies. He proposes mandatory jail time, stronger borders, and clear self-defence laws. 600 words.
Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Second reading of Bill C-14. The bill [xnP89S] amends the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and National Defence Act to tighten bail and sentencing rules. The government [X4TNeM] aims to strengthen public safety by expanding reverse onus provisions, adding aggravating factors for crimes against first responders, essential infrastructure, and retail theft, and restricting house arrest for serious sexual offenses. The Bloc [D0LKIk] supports sending it to committee but raises concerns about judicial discretion and the presumption of innocence. Conservatives [urGYcO] argue the bill is a "band-aid solution" that fails to repeal "soft-on-crime" policies [0kM28G] and restore mandatory minimums, attributing rising crime rates to past Liberal legislation. 49000 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Parliamentary Budget Officer Members debate a question of privilege regarding the government's delayed response to the Parliamentary Budget Officer's request for information on proposed savings, with the government citing process and employee relations for the delay. 700 words.
Corrections and Conditional Release Act Second reading of Bill C-221. The bill amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to require that victims of crime receive not only eligibility and review dates for offenders' temporary absences, releases, or parole, but also an explanation of how these dates were determined. This aims to increase transparency and support victims, who often feel unheard or uninformed by the justice system. The bill builds on previous legislation that received unanimous support. 7200 words, 1 hour.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely silly to try to imply that the government or the Liberal Party does not support the funding of the police.
I can tell the House what is serious. We have the Conservative Party consistently wanting to filibuster on Bill C-14—
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, as I said, it is absolutely silly for the Conservative Party to try to give a false impression that the Liberal Party, or the government, does not support funding our police. What is real is that the police, the provinces and the municipalities all support Bill C-14. They all want bail reform. Canadians want bail reform. It is the Conservative Party of Canada that continues to filibuster Bill C-14.
When will the Conservatives allow Bill C-14 to pass? Canadians want it and we want it. Why will the Conservatives not agree to pass the legislation before the end of the year?
Amanpreet S. Gill Conservative Calgary Skyview, AB
Mr. Speaker, that is a question he should be asking his own caucus member, who joined that rally. He should not be asking us. It is now up to the Prime Minister. Is he going to fire the member of Parliament sitting right in that aisle, or is he going to keep him?
When it comes to Bill C-14, the Conservatives will support any bill designed to increase safety for Canadians, but we believe this bill is weak. It is better if—
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Unfortunately, the time is up and we have to go to members' statements.
Sima Acan Liberal Oakville West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional teachers receiving the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence in my beautiful riding of Oakville West. This award celebrates the achievements of educators who go above and beyond. These are leaders in the classrooms, mentors and coaches who support our children throughout their journey and who take the extra step and exceed the curriculum to help students succeed. To date, this award has honoured over 2,300 teachers and is considered Canada's highest honour for teachers teaching in early, primary and secondary education.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Phi Tran and Mr. Vittorio Iafarte, recipients of the regional certificate of teaching excellence, and Mr. Kevin Carter, who has been awarded the regional certificate of teaching excellence in STEM. I thank them for their exceptional contributions to help build the foundations children need to make the best start possible in life.
Tony Baldinelli Conservative Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Mr. Speaker, this week, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is hosting its annual Tourism Congress in Gatineau. This year's theme is “Tourism Builds Canada”. Tourism definitely powers my communities of Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. In fact, Niagara is home to more than 40,000 tourism workers.
Across Canada, one in 10 Canadian jobs is in tourism, an industry that generates $130 billion in economic activity, but it could be so much more if not for bad Liberal policies. Under the Liberal government, tourism is simply not a priority. According to the TIAC, cuts to the international convention attraction fund, the tourism growth program and Destination Canada's core funding, and the exclusion of tourism from the capital cost allowance, undermine the sector's potential.
In a country where so much is broken after 10 years of the Liberal government, leave it to the Liberals to cut programs that actually work. Tourism builds Canada. Unfortunately, the Liberal budget fails to unleash its full potential.
John-Paul Danko Liberal Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON
Mr. Speaker, last week, Hamilton welcomed the Minister of Public Safety and the Secretary of State for Sport to announce federal funding for the amazing new Hamilton YWCA. Then the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime joined the mayor's community safety round table to discuss federal action to stop crime. We hosted the Minister of Industry to advance our government's buy Canadian policy, meeting student leaders, workers and innovators supporting Canada's next generation of jobs. The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure also met with Hamilton housing partners to continue work making housing more affordable and to confirm Hamilton's light rail transit system remains a federal budget priority.
This budget delivers billions of dollars in further investment and opportunity for Hamilton and cities across Canada. Leadership is not American-style slogans, conspiracy theories, anger and division. Effective government, real leadership, is being part of a great team that delivers results for Hamilton and all Canadians.
John Barlow Conservative Foothills, AB
Mr. Speaker, with breathtaking colours more vibrant than one can imagine, sounds and smells tantalizing the senses, and the cheering on of world-class athletes, the two- and four-legged variety, as they achieve the unimaginable, this is what it means to experience Spruce Meadows, Canada's premier show-jumping facility, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
As the bold vision of Ron and Margaret Southern, Spruce Meadows is a world-renowned institution recognized for equestrian excellence and cherished for honouring the traditions and values of southern Alberta. The Southerns' hard work, prairie hospitality and deep community roots built something truly remarkable. Their daughters, Linda and Nancy, are carrying on that family legacy, a legacy that is unforgettable as we cheered on Eric Lamaze and Hickstead, Captain Canada Ian Millar and Big Ben, and Erynn Ballard, who became Olympians and Canadian legends.
To the Southern family and the volunteers, staff, athletes and fans who poured their hearts into this journey, I thank Spruce Meadows for welcoming the world to Foothills for 50 years.
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, ON
Mr. Speaker, today is a day to celebrate science. The Office of the Chief Science Advisor and the Canadian Science Policy Centre have brought 45 researchers from across Canada to Ottawa today for Science Meets Parliament. These researchers are among our brightest emerging leaders, representing the full spectrum of disciplines, from natural sciences and engineering to health sciences and social sciences. They are on the Hill to share their insights, connect with parliamentarians and strengthen the vital link between science and policy in tackling Canada's most pressing challenges. Trusting relationships between those who generate evidence and those who apply it is essential.
Opportunities like today allow both communities to meet, exchange ideas and build mutual understanding. As chair of the Standing Committee on Science and Research, I am proud to be a champion for science. Please join me in welcoming the participants of Science Meets Parliament.
Amanpreet S. Gill Conservative Calgary Skyview, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Calgary to express concern over the recent sentencing decision that chips away at the public confidence in the justice system.
In a case of extortion in our city, the offender received an 18-month sentence, with six months to be served under house arrest. That is an extremely light outcome given the seriousness of the crime.
This was not a minor offence. The victim was targeted in Calgary and pressured to repay more than $200,000 tied to third party illegal gambling. He was shown images of cut-up body parts in an attempt to scare him. The threat cannot be dismissed as any less than extremely serious.
This case makes one thing clear: Our laws do not reflect the seriousness of extortion and organized crime. It is time to strengthen the law so that criminals face real consequences and Calgarians receive the protection they deserve.
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago, human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra stood here in Ottawa to urge parliamentarians to pay attention to the disappearances and unlawful killings of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab, India. Just months after that visit, he was abducted, tortured and killed for his courage and conviction.
Before his tragic death, he shared a powerful message, one that continues to inspire people around the world today. He reminded us that we must never stay silent in the face of injustice.
As we honour Jaswant Singh Khalra's courage and sacrifice, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to truth, justice and human rights, the values that form the foundation of our democracy.
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians spend more on taxes than anything else. They spend more on taxes than they do on housing. The government is the single most expensive purchase we make, yet the Liberals have the gall to stand here and tell us that making government more expensive is an affordability measure.
The Liberals had a chance to lower food costs for Canadians by scrapping the industrial carbon tax. Instead, they chose to make food more expensive by increasing the tax. It drives up the cost of fertilizer and farm equipment. The Liberals promised Canadians they could have their cake and eat it too, but the price of baked goods is up nearly 6% over last year.
Now we know the Liberals' plan. They will ban plastic food packaging, removing thousands of products from store shelves. It is not unaffordable if it is unavailable.
Canadians should not have to wait a generation for change. They need an affordable Conservative government now.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette—Manawan, QC
Mr. Speaker, philanthropy is the quiet force that lifts society up. It is a living connection between liberty and fraternity, between the individual and the community. It reminds us that the greatness of a people is measured not only by its laws and institutions, but also by the generosity of its members.
November 15 was a day for remembering a certain truth, that philanthropy is hope in action. Today, as philanthropists are here visiting the Hill, I want to salute them and send them my heartfelt thanks.
I especially want to pay tribute to Philanthropie Lanaudière, which embodies the quest for justice and solidarity. Through its actions, the team and its partners are challenging indifference and opening doors so that all people can find their place and live with dignity. They are proof that real wealth is about sharing, not accumulating.
On this day, let us remember that to give is to affirm life and prepare for the future. May philanthropy remain a guiding light and a duty for us all.
Ginette Lavack Liberal St. Boniface—St. Vital, MB
Mr. Speaker, November 16 commemorates the memory of Louis Riel, a visionary leader, the founder of Manitoba and a Father of Confederation.
On Sunday, I had the honour of joining the Prime Minister in attending the ceremony for the 140th anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel.
Over a century after one prime minister betrayed Louis Riel, it is particularly significant that another prime minister is now choosing to fully honour him. Louis Riel reminds us that the fight for justice and equality is still relevant today. His legacy lives on in St. Boniface and across Canada and inspires our commitment to respect, partnership and reconciliation with the Métis nation.
I want to commend the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Union nationale métisse Saint‑Joseph du Manitoba for their hard work in keeping his memory alive.
On behalf of the House, I pay tribute to Louis Riel and his enduring vision for our country. May this day always remind us of the strength and resilience of the Red River Métis nation.
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government has presented a red ink budget, a “generational credit card” budget. It is spending money hand over fist, and the taxpayers of today and tomorrow are the ones who will have to pay the price. For the Liberals, one plus one always equals 10.
Even Fitch Ratings, which assesses Canada's credit rating, is sounding the alarm. It is warning that the Liberals never stick to their own budget limits and that this is worsening the state of our public finances. Even the Parliamentary Budget Officer is against this budget. He said that the government has basically dropped its commitment to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio. There is a reason why they want to get rid of him.
This Prime Minister is offering us a credit card with no limit, but he is mortgaging our children's future and even our grandchildren's future.
The Conservatives will continue to stand up for families, workers, businesses and taxpayers. We will stand firm against this irresponsible, spendthrift government.
Natilien Joseph Liberal Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
Mr. Speaker, “freedom is never given—it is taken.” Those words were made famous by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines.
The Battle of Vertières took place on November 18, 1803. It was one of the greatest battles in modern history. As a federal member of Parliament and a son of Haiti, I would like to acknowledge the strength, courage and resilience of the Haitian people, who vanquished Napoleon's army to throw off their chains and win their freedom. The Battle of Vertières is a perfect illustration of the courage, dignity and determination of the Haitian people.
However, since then, the country has faced challenges that persist to this day. In that context, Canada's co-operation is particularly meaningful. As an ally of Haiti, it provides support, but that support does not replace the leadership that must come from Haiti itself.
By highlighting the Battle of Vertières, I am paying tribute to the heroes of the past.
Ansanm, tout bagay posib.
Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want stronger paycheques, safer streets, secure borders and a self-reliant country. They cannot get that from the Prime Minister, who puts Brookfield, the company he chaired, first.
When the Prime Minister met Donald Trump, he brought home nothing for Canada, only an $80-billion U.S. nuclear reactor deal for Brookfield, giving Donald Trump the jobs, the investment and a 20% stake in Westinghouse profits. Canadians get nothing. While chair, the Prime Minister directed Brookfield to avoid $6.5 billion in Canadian taxes through shell companies he established in Bermuda and in the Cayman Islands on top of a bicycle shop.
The Prime Minister's inflation tax and industrial carbon tax make groceries even more expensive, while Brookfield's CEO claims that inflation boosts its profits. When the Prime Minister goes abroad, Brookfield gets the deal. When he comes home, Canadians get the bill.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I speak for the people of London West when I say that we welcome the passage of the budget. I want to highlight one of the concrete steps that it takes, one that came directly out of a pre-budget consultation held in my riding: the creation of Canada's climate corps. This is a practical, skill-driven program that will train young Canadians for real jobs in resilience, emergency response, retrofits, green construction and community infrastructure.
When I met with young people in London West, the message could not have been more clear. They want opportunities that are hands-on, well-paid and connected to the real needs of our local economy. The climate corps delivers exactly that. It links youth to in-demand careers and helps employers fill critical labour shortages. This is what building one strong Canadian economy looks like. By focusing on results, we are making sure that federal investments land where people actually live. London West helped shape this initiative.
I will keep working to ensure that our young people are at the forefront of the line.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I wish our high-flying Prime Minister coveted results as much as air miles. Since taking office, he has made 28 trips, flying 153,000 kilometres, which is enough to circle the globe four times. He is off again this week, heading to the United Arab Emirates and then South Africa. That is no surprise from the Prime Minister, who collects passports like Pokémon and identifies as European when he is hanging out in Davos with his fellow global elites.
What do Canadians have to show for this? There are no trade deals and no tariff relief, just photo ops and hollow letters of intent. The Prime Minister blew past his own deadlines with the United States with no deal, and his eight-day junket to Asia made no progress. Chinese tariffs stay, India added new ones, and not a single tariff has been lifted on Canadian goods in eight months. As for accountability, he has appeared in question period just 11 times this fall.
If the Prime Minister is this bored with Canada, can he please make his next junket a one-way ticket?
Zoe Royer Liberal Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC
Mr. Speaker, community foundations across Canada are the heart of our neighbourhoods, bringing people together, pooling resources and ensuring that local needs are met with care and with community-led solutions. In my community, the Coquitlam Foundation and the Port Moody Foundation continue to make a tremendous impact through support for the arts, the environment and youth scholarships and grants.
This week, Matthew Sebastiani and foundation leaders from across Canada are here in Ottawa, reminding us how vital their work is nationwide. I thank all foundation volunteers, donors and community leaders for lifting people up. They strengthen families, neighbourhoods and the foundation of who we are as a country.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians needed an affordable budget for an affordable life. They can no longer pay their bills or buy groceries, yet the Prime Minister's latest budget has saddled them with more inflation.
According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, this is the largest deficit in the country's history other than during the pandemic. It is twice as big as Justin Trudeau's deficit. It is $16 billion more than the Prime Minister promised during the election. He broke his promise to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio. The deficit is $78 billion, which is $5,000, plus inflation, for every single family.
How are families supposed to pay another $5,000 for a costly budget?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see that the Leader of the Opposition read the executive summary of the budget. One thing is for sure: We are not going to take any lessons from the Conservatives.
Yesterday, the Conservatives voted against investment in infrastructure. The Conservatives voted against investment in housing. The Conservatives voted against productivity and innovation in this country. The Conservatives voted against investment in defence.
Those of us on this side of the House will always fight for a strong Canada. We will build a strong Canada together. Today, the Conservatives should be asking themselves why they do not support Canadians.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, what are Canadians getting for the 150,000 kilometres this Prime Minister has travelled? That is the equivalent of circling the globe four times.
He met with the Americans, and they doubled tariffs on our steel, aluminum and vehicles. He met with Indian officials, and they increased tariffs on our peas. He met with the Chinese, and they also increased tariffs on our farmers and fish harvesters.
Why is it that whenever the Prime Minister gets on a plane to meet with foreign leaders, Canadians have to pay even higher tariffs?