The hon. member for Windsor West.
House of Commons Hansard #18 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was fentanyl.
House of Commons Hansard #18 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was fentanyl.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Department of Citizenship and Immigration Ombud Act First reading of Bill C-212. The bill establishes an independent ombud office for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to examine its practices for fairness, equity, bias, racism, and discrimination, and address complaints. 200 words.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act First reading of Bill C-213. The bill repeals provisions in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that allow cessation of refugee status for permanent residents who temporarily return to their country of origin, called "unjust" by the mover. 200 words.
National Renewable Energy Strategy Act First reading of Bill C-214. The bill requires developing a national strategy to achieve 100% renewable electricity generation in Canada by 2030, citing climate action and clean energy jobs. 200 words.
Marine Liability Act First reading of Bill C-215. The bill requires a national strategy to address pollution caused by shipping container spills, aiming to improve response and prevention efforts. 300 words.
Strong Borders Act Second reading of Bill C-2. The bill proposes measures to strengthen border security, combat organized crime, fentanyl, auto theft, and money laundering, and reform the immigration system. Liberal MPs argue it provides necessary tools for law enforcement and border services while protecting rights. Opposition MPs raise concerns about potential infringements on civil liberties, including warrantless access to mail and data, cash transaction limits, and argue the bill fails to address key crime issues like bail and sentencing. Bloc MPs express concerns about the bill's scope and potential impact on freedoms, while an NDP MP highlights unprecedented powers for data access. 23800 words, 3 hours.
Public SafetyOral Questions
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, as a retired police officer who served on the front lines for nearly three decades, I have seen first-hand the damage violent criminals can do, especially when the justice system fails to hold them accountable.
Today, extortion is up nearly 400%, and that is not a coincidence. The Liberals repealed mandatory minimums and gutted the bail reform act. They even voted down a Conservative bill to restore serious penalties for extortion involving firearms.
My former colleagues working on the front lines are begging for help. Will the Prime Minister finally listen and adopt the Conservative plan to crack down on violent crime?
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mr. Speaker, first, let me acknowledge and thank my hon. colleague for his years of service to promote public safety in this country.
We are working alongside police forces and federations representing frontline members to understand the needs of frontline officers to ensure they have the resources to help keep communities safe. In addition, we are moving forward with a series of reforms that are going to strengthen sentencing regimes for violent repeat offenders, as well as addressing the needs of the bail system, particularly targeting home invasions, human trafficking, auto theft and other offences related to organized crime.
I am happy to work with the hon. member and benefit from his experience as we advance these important reforms.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia is ready to negotiate a pharmacare deal, but it is still waiting on an invitation from Health Canada. The Prime Minister has not committed to expanding pharmacare for all Canadians. Access to essential medications should not depend on where one lives or one's private coverage. With the job losses from Trump's trade war, the need for public medication coverage is clear.
Will the Liberal government commit to delivering universal pharmacare for all Canadians?
Marjorie Michel LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I thank the opposition member for his question, and I can assure him that we are working closely with the provinces and territories to provide the best health care for Canadians.
Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
I have in my hands a document entitled “Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard”, with a timeline where it says that the requirements increase to—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Speaker, on another point of order, I would ask the Minister of Transport to table her letter to David Eby that she referred to in question period today, out of respect for transparency.
Public Sector Integrity CommissionerRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It is my duty to lay upon the table, pursuant to subsection 38(3.3) of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner report for the fiscal year ended March 31.
Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), this report is deemed to have been permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
Mike Kelloway LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between Canada and the European Union Amending Annex B of the Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety between Canada and the European Community”, done at Washington on June 12, 2024.
Mike Kelloway LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
As well, Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Air Transport”, done at Ottawa on March 5 and at Abuja on May 21.
Bill C-8 An Act respecting cyber securityRoutine Proceedings
Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park Ontario
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
moved for leave to introduce Bill C‑8, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-212, An Act to establish the Office of the Ombud for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a private member's bill to establish an independent ombud office for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, with a mandate to examine the department's practices to ensure that they are fair, equitable, unbiased, non-racist and non-discriminatory. I thank the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for seconding the bill and for defending the values of fairness, justice and equality.
New Democrats know that immigration is an exercise in nation building, but shortcomings in addressing biases, unfairness and racism at IRCC undermine this goal. If passed, the bill would create a dedicated oversight body to ensure fairness and accountability within IRCC and an ombud office that could serve as an impartial entity to address individual complaints and concerns, which is a gap in the system that every member in this House will know about. This office would also have a mandate to review concerns about differential treatment and discriminatory practices within IRCC and be empowered to look at trends and patterns to identify systemic issues.
Trust in Canada's immigration system depends upon its being just, effective and equitable for all. I hope all members of this House will agree and support the bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-213, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (cessation of refugee protection).
Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a private member's bill to repeal the unjust and unfair Conservative laws targeting refugees and protected persons in Canada.
Again, I thank my NDP colleague, the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, for seconding the bill.
In 2012, the Conservatives brought in Bill C-31, an unjust and punitive bill. It amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by giving CBSA and the Department of Justice the power to retroactively bring cessation applications against permanent residents of Canada if refugees and protected persons have to re-avail themselves of protection after temporarily travelling back to their country of origin. That means people are unable to travel back for any reason. No matter how much time has passed, whether the conditions in their country have changed or whether they have resettled permanently in Canada, had children and established their families in the community, they cannot travel back, even to visit a dying loved one for a last time, without risking the loss of their permanent status.
These cessation provisions are wrong and unjust. I hope the members in this House will support the bill and bring forward just policies for refugees.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-214, An Act respecting the development of a national renewable energy strategy.
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to introduce the national renewable energy strategy act. I thank my colleague from Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for seconding the legislation and for all his work to protect our environment.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been clear that we must cut global greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to avert catastrophic global climate change. The time for action is now. That means implementing solutions for clean energy and transitioning away from fossil fuels. While we do this, we must ensure that workers are not left behind.
Jobs in Canada's clean energy sector are projected to grow by nearly 50% by 2030, and the industry's GDP contribution is on track to reach $100 billion by the end of this decade. This legislation would accelerate our transition to a clean energy future by requiring that the Minister of Natural Resources develop and implement a national strategy to ensure 100% of electricity generated in Canada comes from renewable energy sources by 2030.
I call on all parliamentarians to support this vital initiative for our country and our planet.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-215, An Act to amend the Marine Liability Act (national strategy respecting pollution caused by shipping container spills).
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill today that would amend the Marine Liability Act to require the development and implementation of a national strategy to address pollution caused by shipping container spills.
In 2016, when 35 shipping containers fell from the Hanjin Seattle into the ocean off the coast of Vancouver Island, the government did not have an emergency response plan in place or resources available to rapidly respond.
In 2021, when 109 shipping containers fell from the ZIM Kingston into the ocean, again off the coast of Vancouver Island, the government still did not have an emergency response plan or proper equipment to respond.
If a spill were to happen today, the government again would not be prepared to respond.
Volunteers have been cleaning debris off our shores for years, following shipping containers and finding items such as refrigerators, urinal mats, inflatable toys, lost containers with Styrofoam, plastic items and toxic chemicals that continue to pollute our marine ecosystems.
With climate change making extreme weather events more common, it is essential that Canada has a strategy in place to prevent shipping container spills and to respond rapidly and effectively when they happen. This bill seeks to begin that work before the next disaster happens.
I am thankful to my colleague, the MP for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, for seconding the bill and for his ongoing work to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.
I hope all members will support this very important bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am rising regarding the establishment of a national strategy on brain injuries in Bill C-206.
There have been discussions between parties, and I am hoping, if you seek it, that we find agreement to adopt the following motion by unanimous consent: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-206, an act—
Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition today regarding recommendation 430 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, which would remove the “advancement of religion” as a recognized charitable purpose under the Income Tax Act.
The petitioners recognize that religious charities in Canada provide vital services to society, including food banks, care for seniors, newcomer support, etc. Freedom of religion and belief are fundamental rights in Canada, protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and singling out or excluding faith-based charities from the charitable sector based on religious belief undermines the diversity and pluralism foundation of Canadian society.
The undersigned are asking the government to reject recommendations 429 and 430 of the House of Commons finance committee's pre-budget report, refrain from including these recommendations in the federal budget or any related legislation and affirm the charitable status of faith-based organizations, whose members' work flows from sincerely held beliefs and whose contributions serve the common good of Canada.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents, who are alarmed about the increase in repeat violent offenders being released on bail.
. The petitioners have witnessed a sharp increase in car theft, gang violence and drug-related deaths. Violent crime has increased by 50%; violent gun crime has surged by 116%, and in 2022, 256 Canadians were tragically killed by people out on bail thanks to Liberal catch-and-release policies under Bill C-75. Police officers are increasingly powerless to protect the public.
The petitioners are calling on the Minister of Justice to urgently reform Canada's bail laws and restore safety on our streets.
Arpan Khanna Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise on behalf of petitioners from Oxford County, who are raising concerns about the finance committee's recommendation 430, which would potentially strip charitable status from our places of worship and from religious organizations.
The petitioners are raising concerns, especially because these organizations and houses of worship do so much good work in our communities. They help with food banks. They help resettle newcomers to our country. They help those who need support the most, the most vulnerable.
The petitioners are calling on the government and all legislators to reject any attack on religious organizations and their ability to practise their faith openly and freely to support Canadians.
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of petitions to present today.
The first petition is on behalf of petitioners who are calling for a federal budget. They say that a federal budget is a critical tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending and priorities. They also state that Canadians are facing significant economic uncertainty, including inflation, housing pressures and cost of living challenges, and they deserve to see the government's financial plan to address these issues.
Petitioners also say that delaying the presentation of the budget undermines the ability of Parliament and the public to scrutinize and debate the government's fiscal policies. Therefore, they call on the government to present a budget before the House rises this spring.
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
Mr. Speaker, the second petition I am presenting is from Canadians from across the country who are concerned about recommendations 429 and 430 in the finance committee's pre-budget consultation report. These recommendations call for the removal of the charitable status of religious organizations.
The petitioners warn that this could harm faith-based charities, including food banks, seniors homes, newcomer supports, mental health programs and youth programs, all of which are vital programs rooted in our community. They note that freedom of religion is protected by the charter and that targeting these organizations based on religious beliefs erodes Canada's foundations.
The petitioners urge the government to reject these recommendations and uphold the charitable status of faith-based organizations across the country.
Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am rising today on behalf of constituents in my riding who are petitioning the government about a common-sense idea.
While the cellphone number known as *16 is used to contact the Canadian Coast Guard in the event of water-related emergencies, it is currently voluntary and only available in some regions of Canada. Therefore, the petitioners are calling upon the Government of Canada to expand the *16 number by making it accessible Canada-wide by compelling all telecommunications companies to recognize *16 as a way to contact the Canadian Coast Guard in the event of water-related emergencies.