House of Commons Hansard #66 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was jobs.
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 C-258. The bill amends the Criminal Code to address the Supreme Court's R. v. Jordan decision, aiming to prevent sexual assault trials from being dropped due to unmet time limits. 100 words.
An Act to implement the Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Second reading of Bill C-13. The bill implements the United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The Liberal government views it as a crucial step for trade diversification beyond the US, creating opportunities for Canadian businesses. Conservatives support free trade but criticize the government for failing to secure fair access for Canadian beef and pork exports to the UK and not addressing frozen British pensions. The Bloc Québécois supports the agreement but notes the government's non-compliance with tabling policy. 16400 words, 2 hours.
Conservation Donations Members debate Motion No. 15, which proposes enhancing federal tax credits for ecological donations and monetary contributions to conservation organizations. The goal is to encourage voluntary private land conservation, helping Canada meet its target of protecting 30% of its territory by 2030. Some question the motion's ambition and the government's broader environmental commitments, while others raise concerns about its impact on housing and First Nations. 7900 words, 45 minutes.
Canada's Auto Industry Members debate Canada's auto industry, focusing on challenges from US tariffs and the Liberal government's electric vehicle (EV) mandate. Liberals emphasize government support for workers and industry while acknowledging a pause on EV targets. Conservatives criticize trade handling and call for the EV mandate's elimination, arguing it harms jobs. The Bloc Québécois questions investment distribution, and the NDP advocates for a renewed "auto pact" and diversification away from US dependence. 34600 words, 4 hours.
HousingOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I have mentioned many times that one has to speak through the Chair, or the Chair may get offended.
The hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk.
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC
Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, every Canadian had access to affordable housing. The dream of home ownership was alive and well. After 10 years of mismanagement by this Liberal government, rent has doubled and home ownership is inaccessible. That dream is crumbling.
Now, the Liberals have come up with a new scheme called Build Canada Homes. The Parliamentary Budget Officer was scathing. The objective of Build Canada Homes was to build 250,000 housing units. However, according to the PBO, this program will really only build 25,000 homes, or 10 times fewer. That is the result.
Why is this government so good at building bureaucracy?
Joël Lightbound LiberalMinister of Government Transformation
Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, every housing organization heaved a sigh of relief to see that Stephen Harper's 10-year reign was finally over, since the Conservatives completely neglected this issue and got out of the affordable housing game altogether. By way of evidence, their own leader oversaw the construction of only six affordable housing units. It is really unbelievable to see that these Quebec members have such an optimistic view of their own party. They are out of touch with reality.
On this side of the House, we have invested historic amounts in affordable housing. The Parliamentary Budget Officer is not taking into account the continuation—
HousingOral Questions
Anju Dhillon Liberal Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, after weeks of Conservative delays, the justice committee finally resumed its work on the combatting hate act, and we will continue that work on Thursday.
Will the Conservatives make sure bail reform is passed before Christmas? Could the minister speak to the importance of keeping this work moving so Canadians can have these important justice reforms take place?
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, Canadians have been clear that they want stronger protections in the face of rising hate and that they want meaningful bail reform. After weeks of Conservative delay tactics and stalling in committee, I am really happy to see that they might move forward on the combatting hate crime legislation on Thursday.
However, when it comes to bail reform, the Conservatives are complete hypocrites. Our bail reform legislation would make sentences harsher for criminals, and it would end bail for serious and repeat offenders, but of course the Conservatives do not want that to pass, because then what would they use for their clickbait to—
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, my father promised me that if I worked hard, I could buy a house and have a nice place to raise my family. Can I promise the same thing to my daughters today? The answer is no.
Over the past 10 years, the Liberals have doubled the cost of homes and housing. What are the Liberals doing to solve the problem? They are creating more bureaucracy with Build Canada Homes, which would build housing at a cost of $3.2 million per unit. That is really very impressive.
Will the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure stand up and admit that his program is a total failure, yes or no?
Joël Lightbound LiberalMinister of Government Transformation
Mr. Speaker, the total failure is the Conservatives who voted against a budget that makes historic investments in housing and that lowers taxes for 22 million Canadians and for first-time buyers of a new home. That is the total failure, and it is clearly on that side of the House.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government is telling Canadians to sacrifice during the jobs crisis. Liberals have no money to sign pharmacare agreements or meet their housing promises, but today we find out they gave $400 million to Algoma Steel when they knew it was cutting 1,000 jobs. They gave $100 million more than they admitted to Stellantis, which cut 3,000 jobs.
Why did the Liberals give half a billion dollars to companies that just eliminated 4,000 Canadian jobs?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, while the member opposite talks about affordability for Canadians, I just want to remind the House that it is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and we have members here in Ottawa today who work so hard to make sure that people with disabilities have full opportunities to participate in the workforce, something we should all take seriously.
That member voted against the very fund that supports that work. He also voted against the Canada disability benefit. People should be putting their money where their mouth is and standing up for Canadians who just want a fair shot at participating.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would like to cite the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, fourth edition, 2025. I would ask you to turn to page 525, paragraph 13.28, where it states, “Allusions to the presence or absence of a member during proceedings of the House are unacceptable.” It is very clear.
This is important and I would ask that you report back to the House on what we witnessed during the 10th question, when, I believe, the leader of the official opposition was in contempt of the—
Oral QuestionsPoints of OrderOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I am familiar with that rule. In fact, it cost a member a question today, but I will look into the 10th question and get back to the House if necessary.
The hon. member for Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna.
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Speaker, it has to do with the previous point the member for Winnipeg North raised.
I would like you to look back at the tapes. When the leader of the official opposition started reading from a budget book, you said it was being used as a prop. I think you, Mr. Speaker, need to analyze the use of official resources. Whether it be this fine fourth edition of the House of Commons Procedure and Practice or a budget book, I think we need some consistency. If someone is directly reading from a text in order to make a point, I think it should be allowed in this place.
Oral QuestionsPoints of OrderOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I see the situations as being a bit different, but we will get back to the member on that. The hon. member had to read the standing order; he does not know it by heart.
The House resumed from December 1 consideration of the motion that Bill C-225, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Bill C-225 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being 3:17 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-225, under Private Members' Business.
As this is the first recorded division to be taken on an item of Private Members' Business in this Parliament, I would like to take this opportunity to explain the procedure.
The recorded division will be taken row by row, beginning with the sponsor of the item, whether the member is participating in person or by video conference. Then I will ask the other members who are in favour of the motion to please rise, beginning with the back row on the side of the House on which the sponsor sits. If a member is participating by video conference, they will indicate whether they are voting for or against the motion when their name is called. This is consistent with the practice that was in place before the electronic voting system was launched.
After we have gone through all the rows on this side of the House, the hon. members on the other side of the House will have their turn to vote, starting again with the back row. Those opposed to the motion will be called in the same order. Unless members are present in the chamber, all members, including the sponsor, will cast their votes using the electronic voting system or by raising their hand at the end of the vote in the event of technical difficulties.
Bill C-225 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
The House resumed from December 2 consideration of the motion that Bill C-241, An Act to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought forecasting, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Bill C-241 National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading of Bill C-241 under Private Members' Business.
Bill C-241 National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
Bill C-241 National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I wish to inform the House that, because of the deferred recorded divisions, the time for Government Orders will be extended by 28 minutes.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary 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 responses to six petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.