Debates of Nov. 3rd, 2025

Indigenous Affairs

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure]

Mr. Speaker, generations of underinvestment and systemic discrimination have created a serious shortage of safe, affordable housing and of supports for indigenous peoples across Canada. Build Canada Homes will help address this by financing affordable housing at scale across the housing continuum, in collaboration with provinces, territories and indigenous partners.

The program offers flexible incentives to support non-market and indigenous housing providers to build the affordable housing people need. Build Canada Homes is actively engaged with indigenous governments, provinces, territories and builders to identify early investment and shovel-ready projects.

The House resumed from October 31 consideration of Bill C‑3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), as reported (with amendments) from the committee, and of the motions in Group No. 1.

Citizenship Act

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

It being 3:12 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motions at the report stage of Bill C‑3.

Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The question is on Motion No. 2.

A vote on this motion also applies to Motions Nos. 3, 4, and 6 to 11.

May I dispense?

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

[Chair read text of motion to House]

(The House divided on Motion No. 2, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #44

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I declare Motion No. 2 carried. I therefore declare Motions Nos. 3, 4, and 6 to 11 carried.

[Lena Metlege Diab, Liberal, Minister of Immigration]

moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in with further amendments.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

If a member participating in person wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or if a member of a recognized party participating in person wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask for a recorded vote.

I believe if you seek it, you will find consent to apply the results of the last vote to this vote, with Liberal members voting yes.

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Grande Prairie, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives agree to apply the vote, with the Conservatives voting against.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting against the motion.

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP agrees to apply the vote and the NDP votes yes.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #45

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I declare the motion carried.

I wish to inform the House that because of the deferred recorded division, the time provided for Government Orders will now be extended by 14 minutes.

Government Response to Petitions

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 12 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.

Veterans' Week

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

Following discussion among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand there is an agreement to observe a moment of silence to commemorate our war veterans.

I invite hon. members to rise.

[A moment of silence observed]

[Jill McKnight, Liberal, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence]

Madam Speaker and colleagues, as Veterans' Week approaches, I rise to share a heartfelt message with Canada's veterans and their families. To every veteran, past, present and future, and to the families who stand with them, we see them, we thank them and we honour them.

In the week ahead, leading to Remembrance Day on November 11, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will gather in communities large and small to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in uniform.

Canada's veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members have selflessly stood on the front lines in times of war and peace, at home and around the world, to protect what matters most: our safety, our freedoms and our way of life. It is because of their service that Canadians live in peace, our sovereignty is protected and our communities are secure.

We must never forget that these freedoms have come at a cost, a cost carried not only by those who serve but by their families, their friends and the communities that support them. Some made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in defence of our freedoms. Their absence reminds us of the true price of service. Those who returned continued to bear the weight of that commitment in ways both visible and invisible.

It is our solemn duty as Canadians, as a government and as a nation to honour their courage and to stand steadfastly beside them as they continue their lives beyond service. This is not only our responsibility; it is our promise. All Canadians owe them a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we can and must show our gratitude through action, support and remembrance.

Those who came before laid the foundation upon which our country stands, and they continue to inspire us to build a better Canada and a better world. However, remembrance is not only about honouring history; it is also about recognizing the contributions of modern-day veterans. Many continue to serve their communities in new ways, as first responders, volunteers, mentors and leaders. Their legacy endures not only in what they have achieved in uniform, but in the ways they continue to make a difference every day.

My time in the role as Minister of Veterans Affairs has broadened my understanding of the exceptional people who protect our country. While there are too many to mention individually, the stories I have heard of resilience, breaking barriers, dedication and commitment will inspire me always.

To those listening today in communities from St. John's to Victoria, from Windsor to Iqaluit, who will gather in remembrance of family, friends and neighbours, we thank them for keeping the stories of our service members alive.

To my fellow parliamentarians who have worn the uniform and served, we thank them for their service and for bringing the spirit of duty into this House.

To the veterans of tomorrow, those who are just beginning their service or nearing its end, we recognize their sacrifices and the example they carry forward.

Canada remembers and stands with them, today, tomorrow and always.

I close by encouraging all members in the House and those listening to join in a moment of pause and quiet reflection in the coming days. I invite them to honour those who have served and continue to serve on behalf of Canada, our veterans. Lest we forget.

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

Madam Speaker, today is about freedom and remembrance. As we approach Remembrance Day, I will speak about the commitment we all must make as Canadians, the commitment to uphold our freedoms and the commitment to remembrance of all those who served and sacrificed for those freedoms.

Those two commitments are closely linked. Without the service of our military personnel, we would have no freedom, so that service deserves to be remembered.

Without the 118,000 Canadian men and women who have laid down their lives for our freedom, without the thousands more who have come back forever changed and without all of the more than two million soldiers, sailors and aircrew who have served our country in uniform, we would not have the freedom, democracy or liberty we enjoy today. It is the same freedom and democracy that I would argue we take far too much for granted here in Canada.

That speaks to our need to show a much deeper commitment to remembrance. It cannot be about just one day or week, not for our government or for all Canadians, because it must be reflected in our actions.

Of course, most of us wear a poppy for two weeks in November, and many folks even attend a ceremony in their community on November 11 to honour our fallen soldiers.

How many of us pause each year on April 9, Vimy Ridge Day, to reflect on the sacrifices of the 66,349 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I? How many of us pay our respects on VE Day, May 8, for the 42,042 who laid down their lives during World War II? Remember that these are not just numbers or statistics. They represent someone's brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle or cousin, people with hopes, dreams and aspirations that will never be realized, all so we could live freely today.

How many of us pause in remembrance on July 27 for our Korean War veterans or on March 31 each year to reflect on the commitment of the over 40,000 who served our nation in Afghanistan? How many attend a ceremony on the Sunday closest to August 9 to honour National Peacekeepers' Day, offer discounts to veterans at their businesses, or, when they see a veteran's licence plate at the grocery store, stop to shake their hand and say a simple thanks for their service? How many even give a passing thought for those who have served and sacrificed as they drive down the Highway of Heroes, Memorial Drive, Veterans Boulevard, Veterans Memorial Highway or other Canadian roads like them? How many know the stories of our Canadian heroes, like Billy Bishop, Billy Barker, Tommy Prince, Smokey Smith, Léo Major, Jeremiah Jones, Mark Isfeld, Nichola Goddard, Ashley Collette and Jess Larochelle?

Let me take a moment to paint a picture of what a true hero looks like. On October 14, 2006, Private Jess Larochelle was knocked unconscious when the forward observation post that he was manning was hit directly by the Taliban. When he came to, two soldiers were dead and three others were wounded. He fought on alone, firing rockets and machine guns despite a broken back, broken neck, detached retina, blown eardrum and a severe concussion. He fought on for hours against overwhelming Taliban forces, single-handedly forcing the retreat of a Taliban attack and saving lives in the process.

It is heroes like Jess, who should have received the Victoria Cross for his actions, as well as the others I have mentioned and so many more, to whom we owe our freedom. It is a debt that we owe to the families of those who serve our country as well. It is that freedom that we must pledge to uphold at all costs.

It is the least we can do to honour their service and their sacrifices.

The freedom for which they spilled their blood is not the property of this generation to surrender, so please join me and my colleagues in Canada's Conservative Party in making that commitment today. We pledge to uphold those freedoms. It is how we will honour their memories, thank them for their service and show our respect for their sacrifice. Freedom came at all costs, and at all costs we must ensure it is maintained.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Madam Speaker, November 11 is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by our veterans. The symbol we wear, the poppy, represents the fields of Flanders, in Belgium, where so many battles of the First World War took place. This moment of remembrance is important.

Symbols are important, yes. What really matters, however, is that we take care of our own. It might come as a surprise that a member of the Bloc Québécois is interested in veterans. However, it is in our DNA to take care of our own, to want the best for them. Anyone who truly wants the best for the people who matter to them will make an effort. It is important to listen, to support and to act in the best interest of those who need it, not in one's own interest, obviously.

I note that we have had 10 veterans affairs ministers since 2015. I hope that we have reached the point where we are not only taking note of what we offer our veterans, but also taking action. Remembering is important, but November 11 is also an opportunity to talk about the present and the future. The present is about recognizing what is not going well, but it is also about apologizing and rolling up our sleeves to say that we will do better. Of course, we have heard from many people who have told us how proud they are to have served. However, they are suffering at the moment. The future lies in ensuring that these men and women are respected. They have the right to dignity, not just for one day, but 365 days a year.

As members of Parliament we need to grasp the true meaning of Remembrance Day. Let our concerns not be fleeting, but let us always keep in mind the living conditions and survival of those who have committed to defending the values that are so dear to us. November 11 and supporting our veterans is not just about attending ceremonies. It is about truly listening to veterans. People have to be at the heart of decision-making.

I want veterans to know that I see them, I hear them, I listen to them and I will always be an ally.

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Madam Speaker, I request unanimous consent to respond to the ministerial statement on remembrance, on behalf of the federal NDP. I am hoping that consent will be granted by this House.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

Does the hon. member have unanimous consent?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Madam Speaker, this week, as Canadians gather in communities across the country to mark Veterans Week and Remembrance Day, it is a great privilege to rise on behalf of the federal NDP and to join all colleagues and Canadians to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the name of peace, freedom and justice.

From the battlefields of the First World War and Second World War to Korea, Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions around the globe, Canadians have stood up for what is right, often at great personal cost. On November 11, we remember them all: those who did not come home and those who did, but continue to carry the weight of their service.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Italian campaign of the Second World War, one of the most challenging and costly campaigns our country has ever undertaken. More than 93,000 Canadians served in Italy and over 5,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. Among those who helped liberate Europe was my friend and constituent, Jack Rossiter, who turned 100 years old this year, as a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Mount Arrowsmith, Branch 49 in Parksville, British Columbia. Mr. Rossiter served as an infantryman with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada fighting with courage through the Italian campaign and later in the Netherlands. His service stands as a living reminder of the extraordinary contributions made by his generation and of the debt of gratitude we will forever owe them.

Remembrance is not only about looking back but about how we act today. We honour our veterans not only with words but with the deeds that ensure they receive the care, respect and dignity that they deserve. That means making sure no one who has served this country is left behind when their uniform comes off.

Too many military and RCMP veterans and their families struggle to get timely health care and mental health supports when they transition to civilian life, including access to a family physician. The trauma of service can take many forms, some visible and others not, but every veteran should have access to the help they need when they need it. Expanding health services through telemedicine is one important step. Veterans and their families, especially those in rural or remote communities, should not have to fight another battle just to get an appointment with a doctor, counsellor or psychiatrist. Technology can bridge that gap, but it needs to be properly funded and supported by Veterans Affairs with seamless coordination between federal and provincial health care systems.

We also need to recognize that healing takes many forms. For some veterans, that partnership they build with a service animal can make an extraordinary difference, but right now, the lack of national standards for service animals leaves too many veterans navigating a patchwork of rules and uncertainty. It is time for Canada to establish clear national guidelines for training, certification and support so every veteran can count on high-quality assistance and consistent service no matter where they live.

As we work to strengthen care for all those who serve, we must also acknowledge and support the growing number of women veterans in Canada. They have served with courage and distinction, yet too often their experiences and needs have been overlooked. I want to thank my former colleague, the NDP Veterans Affairs critic, Rachel Blaney, who fought to change that to ensure women veterans receive equitable recognition and tailored supports for health, family and transition. We must carry that work forward, building on the excellent recommendations in the report stemming from the study Rachel initiated in the previous Parliament, making sure Veterans Affairs Canada continues to listen, adapt and lead by example.

On this Remembrance Day, we remember the fallen. We also recommit ourselves to those still with us, to making sure that the promise we make to our veterans is one we keep because remembrance is not only about a moment of silence; it's about a lifetime of action and gratitude. To every veteran, every family member and every Canadian who stands in support, we thank them. Their service, their resilience and their hope continue to inspire us all.

Lest we forget.