Debates of June 10th, 2025

Judith Ann “Judy” Scott O'Brien

[Mike Dawson, Conservative, Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB]

Mr. Speaker, our political family in New Brunswick suffered a loss with the passing of Judy Scott O'Brien of Durham Bridge. The daughter of the late Anita and Darrell Scott, she is survived by her husband Mike O'Brien, her brother Don and his wife Joyce, as well as nieces and nephews. Originally from Edmundston, Judy was a key resource for former premiers Richard Hatfield and Bernard Lord. While I did not know her personally, she is a very close friend of my family, and I am aware of her legend.

Judy was colourful. She was fiercely loyal, and she was a hard worker. She kept and loved horses. Judy loved politics but also enjoyed her peaceful home in Durham Bridge and her trips to St. Martins with Michael.

Please join me in offering condolences to the family and many friends of Judy Scott O'Brien.

Save Our Local News Campaign

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as it is my first time rising in this Parliament, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation and thanks to the people of Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam for electing me to a fourth term in this place.

I am pleased about an important initiative in British Columbia, in the Lower Mainland, to save our local news. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, New Westminster, Anmore and Belcarra lost local news coverage when Glacier Media shuttered their papers. People no longer know what is happening in their council chambers, read news about their little league teams or learn about that new cookie shop downtown.

Last week, I learned about the Save Our Local News campaign. Headed by former local reporters Janice Cleugh, Cornelia Naylor, Mario Bartel and Theresa McManus, it will create a new, reliable news outlet with the support of Unifor.

Please join me to save our local news.

Condolences

[Chris d'Entremont, Conservative, Acadie—Annapolis, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it is an incredible honour for me to rise today in the 45th Parliament as the elected member for the extraordinary riding of Acadie—Annapolis. I want to sincerely thank the residents of Acadie—Annapolis for once again placing their trust in me to be their voice in Ottawa.

This past week has been very difficult for me personally and for my family. In the span of just a few days, I have had to say goodbye to three people who were incredibly close to my heart. My beloved mother-in-law, Ella Muise, was a woman of grace, care and warmth whose gentle spirit touched everyone she met. She was an important part of my life for over 40 years. My wife, Anne, will dearly miss her mamme, and my two boys, their beloved grand-mère.

Braden Muise, my cousin's son, only 18, full of potential, was tragically taken too soon. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family.

There was also Blair Boudreau, a pillar in our Acadian community, a proud passionate and tireless defender of our language, culture and history. He leaves a deep and lasting legacy.

Let their memories be eternal, and may we honour them by living with the same love, strength and purpose that they brought to this world. May they rest in peace.

Portugal Day

[Carlos Leitão, Liberal, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on June 10, people around the world celebrate Portugal Day, the day of Portuguese communities. It is a very special time for us to celebrate the soul of our country and the indomitable spirit of the Portuguese people.

This celebration means a great deal to me, as a Portuguese immigrant to Canada and a proud member of this House.

Canadians of Portuguese descent have enriched this country through their warm traditions and dynamic culture.

Let us be proud of the diversity that unites us.

[Member spoke in Portuguese]

Southern Ontario Cricket Association

[Kelly DeRidder, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the other weekend, I had the honour of kicking off the cricket season with SOCA, the Southern Ontario Cricket Association, founded in 1883. Under the leadership of Parveen, Dr. Hariharan, president Giridhar and vice-president Karthik, SOCA has grown into a community of 79 teams. Today, SOCA runs leagues for women, children and seniors, creating a truly inclusive cricket community.

In the Waterloo region, SOCA serves 8,000 members, who find friendship, purpose and pride. Through sport, they are growing leaders, role models and stronger communities. Parveen Sharma has dedicated over 31 years to growing this organization. Parveen was the backbone of local cricket programs long before cricket had the visibility it enjoys today.

Mayor Berry has been a tremendous support over the years. His advocacy at the municipal level has played a key role in helping the league thrive in the Waterloo region.

This is exactly the kind of community building I am very proud to support. I wish SOCA a very successful season.

Human Rights Advocate

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

Mr. Speaker, Jimmy Lai, a 77-year-old pro-democracy advocate and journalist, stands for values cherished by Canadians: media freedom and the rule of law. Despite his age and health issues, Mr. Lai remains imprisoned in torturous condition under Hong Kong's repressive national security law, the provisions of which are inconsistent with international human rights law.

In March 2024, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights issued a news release to “call for the release of Jimmy Lai, and express their solidarity with everyone advocating for freedom and justice in Hong Kong”, echoing that Jimmy Lai “stood up for truth and for his fellow Hong Kongers, and now we must stand up for him.”

Parliament has a proud tradition of supporting such individuals, as shown in 2023 when it granted honorary Canadian citizenship to Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza. I now call upon the Government of Canada to make Jimmy Lai an honorary citizen of Canada.

New F-35 Jets for Canadian Armed Forces

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today the Auditor General published another scathing report about the contract for the new F-35 jets for the Canadian Armed Forces.

In her report, she sharply criticized the Liberal government's control throughout the process. She pointed out that the project is now 50% over budget and has reached a cost of $30 billion, not including the required weapons and infrastructure, which will cost at least an additional $5.5 billion.

Finally, she pointed out the critical shortage of pilots to operate the F-35s once they are delivered.

The people of Beauce want to know when this Liberal government will start managing their money responsibly. Maybe the Liberals should start by tabling a spring budget.

Victor-Lévy Beaulieu

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Lower St. Lawrence and Quebec literature have just lost one of their most spectacular, bold and prolific representatives.

Victor‑Lévy Beaulieu has passed away at the age of 79, but he is leaving us with his plays, essays and novels. VLB was an editor, novelist and essayist. He was indignant and rebellious, a separatist who loved his corner of the country.

Félix had his island, Vigneault had Natashquan, and Victor‑Lévy Beaulieu had Trois-Pistoles. Despite his immense body of work, Race de monde, L'Héritage and Bouscotte left the most lasting impression on Quebeckers.

For years, millions of us sat in front of our TV screens watching his stories, unable to tear our eyes away from the drama or close our ears to the swearing of the larger-than-life characters. "Gumbitch" and "ostie toastée des deux bords" have become part of Quebeckers' more colourful language.

Victor‑Lévy Beaulieu was a giant.

To his family and loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences.

Agricultural Heritage

[Alana Hirtle, Liberal, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, this past week, the Truro Farm Equipment Museum marked its 35th anniversary of preserving agricultural heritage in Nova Scotia.

Museums like this are so much more than the antique tractors and plows that are on display. They are keepers of stories that matter, stories of families working the land and building our society from the ground up. Our rural communities have always been laboratories of innovation and resilience. For generations, our farmers have fed entire communities while protecting the land for future generations.

As elected representatives are called to act on the biggest challenges of the 21st century, we would do well to learn from the same spirit of ingenuity and co-operation historically found in agricultural communities across Canada.

Housing

[Michael Ma, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge today's scathing Auditor General's report on the current and future use of office space. The report noted that the Liberals promised to reduce office space by 50%, with $1.1 billion over 10 years to do so. However, the Auditor General found that the office space reduction will only be 33%.

The results show the absolute failure of the Liberals to get housing built. After years of flashy announcements, all they have are endless broken promises. The report says that it takes six to eight years to dispose of surplus buildings, a completely unacceptable and costly timeline.

As millions of Canadians are struggling to find affordable housing, this latest report confirms just how out of touch and unhelpful the same old Liberal government has been.

United Church of Canada

[Ben Carr, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the United Church of Canada, established by an act of Parliament exactly 100 years ago today.

In my riding of Winnipeg South Centre, several United Church congregations, including Young, Augustine, Fort Garry, Westminster, Harrow and Crescent Fort Rouge, gathered this past weekend for a special service of celebration and thanksgiving. I want to thank Reverend Marc Whitehead and all those who helped to organize this meaningful gathering at Crescent Fort Rouge.

For a century, the United Church has stood alongside communities across Canada, not only as a spiritual home to many but also as a place of welcome, community and support, offering a wide range of programming and services to residents of all backgrounds. On this special anniversary, I want to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the United Church of Canada for 100 years of ministry, leadership and hope, all in service of community.

F-35 Fighter Jets

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's investigation into the Liberals' purchase of the F-35 fighter jets is shocking. It is over budget and behind schedule. Costs are up 50%. The new facilities to house the jets will not be completed until 2031. That is three years too late, forcing taxpayers to spend even more money on temporary hangars.

The investigation also confirmed what we have known since 2018: We do not have enough pilots. Canada was the pilot training ground for the Commonwealth during World War II. Thanks to the Liberals, we send our recruits to Italy to learn to fly.

The lost Liberal decade has left Canadians unsafe and insecure in an increasingly dangerous world. The out-of-control costs, repeated construction delays and lack of staff threaten to delay the replacement of the fighter jets. Now the Liberals want billions of dollars more to waste. Under the Liberals, Canadians are paying so much while getting so little in return.

Portugal Day

[Alexandra Mendes, Liberal, Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, people of Portuguese origin everywhere are celebrating Portugal Day, the day of Camões and Portuguese communities.

Portugal Day is first and foremost a time to celebrate everything that has shaped Portuguese culture over the centuries, rather than just a military deed, a conquest or even the Portuguese discoveries. It is a time to celebrate the cartography, the azulejos , the symbiotic relationship with the ocean and the oh-so-delicious use of its resources.

Lusitanity is well represented not only by the pastéis de nata, our custard tarts, but also by the great and renowned literary works of Camões, Fernando Pessoa, Eça de Queirós and José Saramago; by fado, which embraces and charms us from cradle to grave; and by our simple but delicious gastronomy, enhanced by spices discovered in the 16th century and the skilful use of sea salt.

Finally, being Lusitanian, whether in Portugal or elsewhere in the world, means living with this rich heritage in our hearts without feeling too much saudade.

ArriveCAN App

[Jamie Schmale, Conservative, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today's Auditor General's report is another damning indictment that the Liberals have lost control of their rampant spending on consultants.

GC Strategies, the consulting firm with links to arrive scam, cut 106 service contracts worth $92.7 million. This is the same company that was found in contempt of Parliament for refusing to answer questions and was called to this very House to answer questions.

The scandal, of course, compounds from there. The AG found that in a third of the contracts awarded, there was no evidence the consultants had the required experience, and there were massive security clearance failures. There was also a failure to prove that the fees paid did not exceed market rates, and most damning of all, endless reams of evidence showed that the work was not even completed.

In true Liberal fashion, of course, the Trudeau ministers responsible for arrive scam actually got promoted. It is clear that with decisions like this, the Liberals have no plan to get taxpayers' money back on this blatant corruption.

Graduation Congratulations

[Corey Hogan, Liberal, Calgary Confederation, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 2025 graduating class from the University of Calgary. The last of this convocation's 7,000 graduates cross the stage today. Graduates like Austin Friesen, who just received his M.B.A., come from across degree programs and disciplines. Graduating from university is an enormous accomplishment. Grads are fortunate to have attended Canada's entrepreneurial university, one of our city's gems. The education and friendships they made along the way will serve them well.

Sometimes young universities struggle to have their reputation keep up with their accomplishments, so I would like to inform the House about just a few. Today, in dollar terms, the hard-working students, faculty and staff at the U of C do about as much research as Queen's, Western and TMU combined, all great universities in their own right. The university has among the highest student satisfaction scores. Its stroke protocol saves lives globally, and more start-ups have come out of the U of C over the past five years than any other Canadian university.

I congratulate all the graduates. Their community is proud of them. They did it.

Public Services and Procurement

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today the Auditor General released a scathing audit on the top arrive scam fraudster, GC Strategies. This two-person, basement-dwelling company feasted on 64 million taxpayer dollars. This was a direct gift from the Liberal government, which allowed basic procurement rules to be completely ignored over the last 10 years. Canadians still do not know who did the work, what was done, if they were qualified or if they had security clearances. This is complete government incompetence.

The ask is simple: When will taxpayers get their money back?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Auditor General for her service. I note that GC Strategies has been prohibited from government contracts for seven years. It is that standard—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as a member of Canada's new government and a new member of Parliament, I say we will uphold higher standards.

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON]

Mr. Speaker, shockingly, the very same Liberal ministers who had their fingerprints all over the arrive scam are still in cabinet today: namely, the jobs minister, the U.S. trade minister and the foreign affairs minister. Their lack of ministerial responsibility is both negligent and inexcusable. The fraudulent payment of $64 million is not just about reckless spending; it is a total waste of taxpayer dollars and a betrayal of Canadians, who are living through a cost of living crisis.

I ask the Prime Minister again, when will taxpayers get their money back?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the members opposite for supporting the making life more affordable act to get taxpayer dollars back to Canadians. This government is committed. This new government is committed to making the best use of all taxpayers' dollars.

National Defence

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General just slammed the Liberals in her report this morning, saying what we have known all along: the Liberals have broken our military. Today's F-35 report criticized the Liberals for misleading cost projections that are 50% higher, by over $14 billion; ongoing construction delays for necessary infrastructure; ignoring the severe pilot and mechanic shortage; and implementing weak oversight mechanisms.

The ministers who were responsible for this debacle are still sitting in here. Will the Prime Minister hold them accountable for this mess?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know if the member opposite holds himself accountable for letting military spending fall below 1% of GDP when the Conservatives were in government. This government has doubled military spending in cash terms. We are meeting our NATO obligations this year, leading from the front.

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, unlike the Prime Minister, we actually delivered for our military. We bought five brand-new CF-17 Globemasters, new Hercules, new Leopard tanks and new Chinook helicopters. We delivered.

Instead, what we have here is an Auditor General report referencing her 2018 report on Canada's fighter jets. That report said the biggest obstacle to meeting operational requirements was a shortage of fighter pilots and technicians. Over the lost Liberal decade, the Liberals have worsened this capability gap through mismanagement and completely ignoring the Auditor General's recommendations.

The foreign affairs minister, who was responsible for the military back in 2018, is still in cabinet. Why is this?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I was proud to stand yesterday with the Minister of National Defence and the chief of the defence staff to announce the largest increase in military expenditure in decades. Building our military strong, building our military with Canadian technology, Canadian jobs, Canadian steel and Canadian aluminum, is what the review of the F-35 is about. That is what the future of this country is about.