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.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Battle River—CrowfootVacancy
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It is my duty to inform the House that a vacancy has occurred in the representation, namely Mr. Kurek, member for the electoral district of Battle River—Crowfoot, by resignation effective June 17, 2025.
Pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, I have addressed a warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill this vacancy.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of Moonaquin mit Stephen Charleson, a proud member of the Hesquiaht First Nation and the House of Kinquashtakumtlth.
Stephen was a lifelong fisher, learning traditional fishing and navigation skills from his father and brothers and living his entire life on the lands and waters around Hesquiaht Harbour, except for the painful years he spent in residential schools and the Indian boarding homes program.
He was immensely proud of the recognition by the courts of Hesquiaht fishing rights through the T'aaq-wiihak fishery. He was both a teacher and a learner, studying the Nuu-chah-nulth language in his final years. Throughout his life, he shared his teachings and touched the lives of hundreds of people from all walks of life, establishing the Hooksum Outdoor School in 2000, specializing in outdoor and environmental education.
Stephen recently passed to the other side and leaves behind his loving wife, Karen, six children, 12 grandchildren and a legacy of strength, culture and connection to home. May he rest in peace, and may we honour his memory with action and respect.
Jenna Sudds Liberal Kanata, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the outstanding class of 2025 from my riding of Kanata.
To the students of AY Jackson, Earl of March, West Carleton, Holy Trinity, All Saints, Maurice-Lapointe, Bell High School and Franco-Ouest, this is a moment to be proud of. They have worked hard, shown resilience and hopefully had some fun along the way. Now they step into the world with the knowledge and the opportunity to make a real difference.
I thank the teachers and staff for their dedication. I thank their families; their support helped make this day possible. To every graduate, I say celebrate, take pride in all accomplishments, and move forward with confidence. The world is ready for them to make their mark.
Congratulations to the class of 2025.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, we all remember that one teacher who made a lasting impact on us, the one who believed in us before we believed in ourselves, the one who would stay up late to push us further and who made us feel worth every minute of their time.
At Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newmarket, I saw that spirit alive. I saw it first during the election, when teachers organized a candidates' debate so that the students could moderate the discussion and challenge ideas. They did not just teach civics; they brought it to life for their students.
I saw it again when students participated in the Newmarket Night Market, proudly showcasing their artwork, including one powerful piece celebrating strength, empowerment and the women who shape us. That painting now hangs in my office, and I would like to invite everyone to stop by to see it and enjoy a cup of tea.
I thank the teachers at Sacred Heart and every educator who goes that extra mile.
Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, this Friday is World Refugee Day. The day highlights the plight and dreams of those seeking refuge because of threats to their lives.
The fate of refugees concerns us all.
Two years ago, this House unanimously adopted M-62, my motion to welcome 10,000 vulnerable Uyghurs to Canada. This was a historic vote. It was a vote of parliamentary solidarity. Since then, I have been working to ensure our government honours the will of this House on that day.
Refugees, once settled in Canada, make countless economic and social contributions to our country, making Canada better off. Our government has historically been and must continue to be a leader in refugee resettlement. It is our duty toward the most vulnerable.
World Refugee Day is an opportunity to recognize the challenges facing refugees and to appreciate the richness that these individuals bring to Canada.
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Mr. Speaker, we all remember fond childhood experiences. For me, I grew up going to Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill with my family. It is a place where, for over half a century, seniors gathered at the food court for coffee and families came to shop and connect. It was always a safe, welcoming space and a pillar of our community.
Just last week, another violent robbery at Hillcrest Mall shook our community. This time, jewellery store employees were pepper-sprayed and assaulted in a terrifying smash-and-grab. The mall was locked down and hundreds of shoppers, including young children, were left terrified.
A few days later, arrests were made, and what did we learn? The suspects were repeat offenders who were out on bail after committing another violent robbery. These attacks are part of a disturbing pattern across the country fuelled by 10 years of Liberal soft-on-crime policies. Communities are living in fear, and violence is becoming the new normal.
Conservatives call for ending catch-and-release, bringing back mandatory prison time and keeping our streets safe. It is time to end the revolving-door justice system and lock up the criminals for good.
Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON
Mr. Speaker, since this is National Public Service Week, I would like to begin by thanking all public servants in Orléans and across Canada for their essential work.
The next two weeks mark the beginning of graduation season for grade 12 students. I want to congratulate the 1,514 graduates from the eight high schools in Orléans.
I congratulate the class of 2025. They did it. I look forward to seeing what they will achieve in their next chapter.
As summer arrives, I wish everyone in Orléans a wonderful summer. Let us all take time to relax, recharge and spend time with friends and family.
I also would like to invite everyone to join me at Petrie Island to celebrate Canada Day on July 1, and my annual family barbecue on August 28.
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the contributions of the incredible resource sector workers in my riding and, indeed, the country. They are the loggers, the miners, the farmers, the fishermen and the energy sector workers in oil and natural gas. They are the hard-working men and women of this country whose work gives us the lumber with which we build our homes and the fuel with which we heat them, the gas that moves us from A to B, and the food and fish that sustain us.
These are the workers who built this country and continue to build it every single day, yet too often their contributions are denigrated, their jobs threatened, and in some cases their livelihoods destroyed. This is despite the fact that it is their sweat and toil that serve as the foundation on which the rest of our economy and country is built.
I hope all parliamentarians from all parties will join me in recognizing these amazing Canadians and thanking them for their contributions to Canada.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, on June 20, we are turning the page. The anti-scab legislation will come into force, banning replacement workers during strikes and lockouts in all federally regulated sectors. It is a long overdue step toward a fairer economy.
For far too long, the threat of replacement labour weakened bargaining and eroded trust. This law, however, will restore balance, protect the integrity of collective bargaining and leave good Canadian workers less vulnerable. We are sending a clear message that Canadian workers are not replaceable. Now more than ever, as we gear up to build a historic economy, workers will be the building block to a stronger economy and a more just and resilient Canada.
I want to thank every worker, the Canadian Labour Congress, which worked really hard to see this bill through, and especially our former colleague, former minister Seamus O'Regan.
Our Liberal government has stood up for workers and will continue to stand up for workers.
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said that he was the man with a plan. A budget is a plan, and now he is shooting blanks. After being Trudeau's economic adviser for the past five years, he is worse than the old guy when it comes to accountability and transparency.
As the Liberals hide, Canadians are worried about how much more debt, inflation and taxes are going to be dumped on them, since this guy says he is going to spend even more than Justin Trudeau did.
A spring budget could tell Canadians what the plan is to lower the cost of government, which would lower the cost of living. It could show a plan to actually get homes built, not more bureaucracy.
A spring budget could show Canadians a plan to gain economic independence from the U.S. by scrapping anti-energy laws like Bill C–69, Bill C–48 and the job-killing oil and gas cap. It could have a plan in it to bring home safer streets by repealing hug-a-thug laws like Bill C–75 and Bill C–5, and finally get immigration under control.
If the Prime Minister is the guy who says he is the man with a plan, he needs to prove it and bring home a spring budget now.
Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Mr. Speaker, in five days, Quebec will celebrate its national holiday. It will be a celebration of summer filled with song, reflecting our history and our stories.
I would like to remind members that, 45 years ago, René Lévesque proposed a way to coexist with our neighbours, with our neighbour, as equals. Being united and partnering with our neighbour is a noble pursuit as long as it is freely consented to, but not when that neighbour is imposing its vision, its plan, and its interests that differ in terms of priorities and values.
In the global south, the west and no doubt the Middle East and perhaps Asia, the coming months will present challenges that will remind us, as friend, partner and ally, that we must realize our full potential, which requires the equality of our nation with all others.
Let us hope the summer will be restful despite the challenges that lie ahead of us. In that spirit, I wish all Quebeckers and everyone who loves them a wonderful, very national holiday for the land of dreams.
Ernie Klassen Liberal South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, last week, I lost a friend, and my community lost one of our true leaders. Today, I would like to honour and pay respect to the memory of Sandee Butterley.
Sandee was a one-of-a-kind woman who would help out and champion every cause that would benefit our entire community. She generously donated to organizations such as the hospice society, the White Rock Pride Society, the local community Christmas dinners, Coldest Night of the Year and Uniti, generously contributing to a housing project for people with intellectual disabilities in an inclusive environment.
Sandee believed in supporting the local business community. She would frequently stop in and visit and encourage the business owners. She even had an omelette named after her at the locally owned diner that she was seen at most mornings.
Her kind and caring spirit will live on in the memory of all who met her and loved her. Rest in peace, Sandee.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, SK
Mr. Speaker, Canadian oil and gas is the key to our prosperity. Ten years of Liberal anti-energy laws have kept it in the ground and stopped pipelines from getting built, including laws like Bill C-69, the “no new pipelines” act; Bill C-48, the shipping ban; the oil and gas production cap; and the industrial carbon tax. It is impossible to ignore the national consensus to get rid of these bad Liberal laws.
There was an election this spring in which the Prime Minister promised big things. Then we heard fancy speeches from him in Calgary. He also met with the premiers in Saskatoon. Parliament has already been sitting for four weeks. We just hosted the G7 meetings in Alberta with key energy allies, yet we still have not seen any announcements for new projects or proposals.
The Prime Minister needs to stop with the fancy words and act on repealing the Liberal anti-energy policies immediately. Canadians need a government that will approve energy infrastructure, sell to our allies and deliver paycheques to our people. Now that the Prime Minister's elbows are clearly down, it is time for him to stand up and get back to work.
Anita Vandenbeld Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible communities of Ambleside and Northwest One in Ottawa West—Nepean. Both of these are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
These are more than just condo towers; they are what we call NORCs, naturally occurring retirement communities. Ambleside One and Two and the Northwest One towers, Poulin and Regina, are home to many long-time residents, including some who have lived there since the beginning.
These are vibrant communities where residents truly look out for each other. They host Friday night potluck meals; organize yoga, choirs and current affairs discussions; and support the surrounding communities with food drives, environmental action and more. While there are some young families, most of the residents are older adults, and their community spirit combats the social isolation of seniors, helping residents live longer, healthier and more connected lives.
Congratulations to Ambleside One and Two and to Northwest One.
Jacob Mantle Conservative York—Durham, ON
Mr. Speaker, over this session of Parliament, I have repeatedly asked the Liberals how they will fix the housing crisis that they themselves have created, and the response has been typical of Liberals. They say that the government will save us and that not one, not two, but three government housing agencies will build homes for people, and they should be thankful about it.
The next generation of homebuyers does not need the government to save them. They just want what generations before them had, which is an opportunity to work hard and own a home of their own choosing. The generational unfairness is on display in the House: questions from the next generation of homebuyers, who are shut out of the market, and half measures from the Liberal housing minister turned robber baron, who is profiting from the dysfunction he now oversees. It was that minister who said housing prices do not need to come down.
The Liberals simply do not understand the housing crisis. I wonder if that is simply because too many of them are profiting from it.
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will be celebrating a milestone in Alfred-Pellan: the 30th anniversary of the Marronnier residence, a true pillar for our seniors and an exceptional place to live in the heart of our community.
Since 1994, this residence, which was founded by the Morzadec family, has been providing an exemplary living environment for over 1,700 residents. It is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, modern facilities and dedicated staff, who put the well-being of seniors at the heart of everything they do.
The Marronnier is much more than a place to stay; it is a true community, built on respect, solidarity and joie de vivre.
I would like to recognize and congratulate the residents, staff, volunteers and managers for their daily commitment.
Happy 30th anniversary to the entire Marronnier family.
Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are asking Parliament to approve half a trillion dollars in spending without committee oversight, without ministers being able to answer even simple questions in the House and without a budget. The Parliamentary Budget Officer stated that the deficit could be as high as $20 billion more than originally projected and that legislators must risk placing even more faith in the government than usual because there is no budget.
Sure, we should put more faith in a government that promises a significantly reduced consulting spending but is increasing it to $26 billion this year for their friends, such as those at McKinsey. Sure, we should put more faith in a government that promised a 2% spending cap increase, yet is increasing it by 8%.
If the Liberals continue this way and do not present a budget until spring, it will have been at least a year since the last budget, the longest period since the sixties, outside COVID. Canada needs a budget now to control inflation, reduce deficit, stop tax hikes and reverse the lost decade of Liberal failure.
Taleeb Noormohamed Liberal Vancouver Granville, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this House as the re-elected member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville.
I want to thank my constituents for placing their trust in me once more. Their ideas and determination inspire me every day. I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who supported me, as well as my family, who give so much to allow me to serve.
From Kits Point to south Van, from Shaughnessy to Main Street and from South Cambie to Granville Island, I am here to make sure that our community's priorities are top of mind: affordable housing, better health care, a stronger and more innovative economy, and safer streets.
Now is the time to ensure that all Canadians' ideas and ambitions become reality. To my constituents, I say that I carry their stories with me into every conversation and every decision I make in this place. They have placed their trust in me to be their voice in Ottawa, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I will keep working hard to make sure that they are heard and that they are well represented. This work is about them, and I am here to fight for what matters most for our community.
Let us build Canada strong together.
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government is doubling down on its insane ban on gas-powered vehicles. The latest Liberal overreach kicks in next year, and soon one's favourite car, truck or van will be illegal. However, this mandate is already driving up prices. The average price of a new car is $67,000; used cars are approaching $40,000, and the Liberal mandate will add an additional $20,000 per vehicle.
The Liberals have already priced working Canadians out of the housing market. Why are they pricing working Canadians out of the ability to buy a vehicle as well?
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, let us first start with a fact, which is that there is no ban on gas-powered vehicles. More to the point, once again, we are seeing the Conservatives talking down one of our most important industries, which is employing hard-working auto workers in our country at the very moment we are facing tariff threats from the United States. I find it rich that the Conservatives are choosing to take this position instead of talking up a growing and important industry.
We stand with our auto workers.
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, there absolutely is a ban. It starts to come into effect next year, and it will absolutely devastate the auto sector here in Canada.
The auto sector is already under fire from unjustified U.S. tariffs and the PM's inability to get a deal. GM and Ford are also saying that this ban will kill jobs. In fact, a new report says that this ban on gas-powered vehicles will kill 90,000 auto jobs.
Instead of sending even more jobs to the U.S., why not end the ban on gas-powered vehicles and let Canadians decide what kind of vehicle they want to buy?
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, it is nice to hear that the Conservatives are finally recognizing that we are talking about an industry that is facing unjustified tariffs from the United States. However, let us also talk about how our auto sector is important. We need to support it in this moment. It is creating well-paying union jobs in our country. An EV standard actually makes sure that new electric vehicles are available to Canadians. They are cheaper to operate; they are cheaper on upkeep, and Canadians want to be able to have access.
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we do not have to allow Canadians to buy one type of vehicle by banning their ability to buy the ones that they actually want.
This is raising a lot of questions. Canadians and auto workers for GM do not want the EV mandate, but the Prime Minister is intent on pushing it through. Why? Well, right before becoming Prime Minister, he was chair of Brookfield, and he advocated for a ban on gas-powered cars.
Brookfield is heavily invested in the EV supply chain, yet the Prime Minister refuses to reveal his financial interests or self-admitted conflicts. Is it not true that this is not about the environment but about the bottom line for Brookfield?
Evan Solomon LiberalMinister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, we are in a trade war launched by the United States that is targeting our auto workers and our auto sector. Make no mistake, we will fight for every job and every worker.
We have invested in the auto sector, including in the EV sector, to build good jobs in places such as St. Thomas, where the Amino Corp. is employing people. This government will always invest in workers and make sure that the auto industry is growing, resilient and successful.