The hon. secretary of state has the floor.
House of Commons Hansard #19 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was citizens.
House of Commons Hansard #19 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was citizens.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Promotion of Safety in the Digital Age Act First reading of Bill C-216. The bill proposes a duty of care for online operators regarding child safety, strengthens reporting of child sexual abuse material, criminalizes deepnudes and online harassment, and protects civil liberties. 100 words.
Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act First reading of Bill C-217. The bill proposes tuition-free post-secondary education for Canadians with disabilities to remove barriers, unlock potential, and promote inclusion in colleges, universities, and trade schools. 100 words.
Alleged Misleading Minister Testimony in Committee of the Whole—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on questions of privilege from the Members for Mirabel and Lakeland, alleging ministers made misleading statements in Committee of the Whole regarding carbon rebate funding and Bill C-5 project selection. The Speaker explains procedural requirements for such questions and the high bar for finding deliberate intent to mislead. Finding procedural rules not met and no evidence of intent, the Speaker rules no prima facie case of privilege exists. 1500 words.
Citizenship Act Second reading of Bill C-3. The bill amends the Citizenship Act to address "lost Canadians" and allows citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. It requires a Canadian parent to demonstrate a substantial connection (1095 cumulative days in Canada) for future generations. Government members state it corrects past injustices and responds to a court ruling. Opposition members support fixing "lost Canadians" but criticize the bill for potentially diluting citizenship, lacking security checks, and not providing estimates of impact or cost. The Bloc supports the bill's principle but highlights immigration system dysfunction. 57300 words, 7 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Oil and Gas IndustryOral Questions
Buckley Belanger Liberal Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK
Mr. Speaker, Canada is the third-largest oil-producing country in the world. That is something we should be proud of.
In Saskatchewan, where I come from, we have a phrase: Lead, follow, or get out of the way. These guys cannot lead, and they are too arrogant to follow, so they should at least get out of the way.
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal and Conservative coalition joined hands to fast-track Bill C-5 to bypass environmental reviews, ignore provincial jurisdiction and trample on the constitutional rights of indigenous peoples.
Ontario chiefs are rejecting Bill C-5. UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Phillip called it a “complete betrayal of Canada’s commitments under the UN Declaration [on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples]”. The assembly unanimously condemned the bill and is calling for its immediate withdrawal. Chiefs across the country are saying, “nothing's off the table” if the bill is passed.
Will the Prime Minister do the right thing and withdraw Bill C-5?
Rebecca Alty LiberalMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Mr. Speaker, we will be looking for projects that have indigenous support and, even better, indigenous equity in the projects.
The legislation is about supporting projects that are not only shovel-ready but also shovel-worthy, projects that respect indigenous knowledge and uphold aboriginal and treaty rights. The legislation mandates that there must be meaningful consultation and accommodation with indigenous rights holders during both the process of determining which projects are in the national interest and the development of rigorous conditions for each project.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, indigenous rights holders and civil society groups have been clear: Bill C-5 would violate constitutional rights, escalate the climate crisis and endanger workers' health and safety , but the Liberals and Conservatives are teaming up to pass the bill without proper consultations. The AFN, the ITK and NAN have indicated that it is an ungracious invitation to the Supreme Court. This will stall our economy and the creation of good jobs.
Will the Liberal government uphold its constitutional obligations and keep the bill out of the courts?
Rebecca Alty LiberalMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Mr. Speaker, these rights are affirmed by the Constitution, and the duty to consult and accommodate has been set out in a series of Supreme Court of Canada decisions. The one Canadian economy act, specifically, in both the preamble and throughout the body of the legislation, would require the government to consult with indigenous rights holders, at clauses 5(7), 7(2) and 8(3).
Again, we will be consulting with indigenous rights holders.
Presence in GalleryOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Parliamentarians, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of an anniversary that is of great importance to our parliamentary family. June 23 will mark the 10th anniversary of the official creation of the Parliamentary Protective Service.
Throughout the 10 years of its existence, the Parliamentary Protective Service has anticipated and adapted to emerging and growing threats, while always remaining true to its values of respect, professionalism. integrity, accountability and leadership. The PPS values are the ones that keep us safe, and for that we are most grateful.
For the last 10 years, day after day, these women and men in uniform have been keeping parliamentarians and Parliament safe, and by extension, keeping Canada's democracy strong. With smiles and hellos, they help us start and end each day.
Of course, the Parliament of Canada is more than a workplace; it is the seat of Canadian democracy and attracts visitors from around the world. Our colleagues in uniform welcome these visitors with Canada's trademark civility and courtesy. While the House of Commons is a workplace for parliamentarians and employees, it is also a sacred space for democracy, belonging to every Canadian. As we all know, protecting democracy is no easy task.
Let me now draw to the attention of members the presence in the gallery of many members of the Parliamentary Protective Service.
I am thankful for their long service, their bravery, their achievement and their commitment to PPS.
Presence in GalleryOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I want to thank them and congratulate them on this important anniversary. I wish them a happy 10th anniversary.
Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon, QC
Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:
That the House recognize the impressive work of the Sûreté du Québec and Ontario Provincial Police in the last few days following the disappearance of little Claire Bell.
That it salute and thank the hundreds of volunteer, witnesses and groups who offered their support for the search operations and contributed in one way or another to the successful resolution of this case.
Police WorkOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.
There being no dissenting voice, it is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk, QC
Mr. Speaker, during question period, there was talk of tax cuts. Numbers were thrown around. The Prime Minister, among others, talked about $840.
I seek unanimous consent to table the Parliamentary Budget Officer's document, which in no way includes—
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, as this is the last Thursday projected before the summer recess, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the House administration, which has supported members of Parliament as they resumed their duties after the election.
There was a lot to do to get so many new members of Parliament sworn in and oriented and ready to go for this session. I just want to commend the Clerk's team and all the procedural staff who are involved in that. I know that there are a lot of moving pieces; once again, they discharged their duties with great proficiency, and we all certainly appreciate that.
I would also like to pay tribute to the pages, as this is the final week in their program. They have done excellent work throughout the past few months. They have had a little bit more time off this session, with the prorogation and the election, than other page cohorts, but they have done exceptional work as well and, again, served parliamentarians in a non-partisan and professional way. I wish them good luck with the rest of their studies, and I hope they have enjoyed their tenure here in the House of Commons of Canada.
I would like to thank my government counterpart.
I would also like to thank the leader of the Bloc Québécois for working with me over the past few weeks.
We have always been able to have professional meetings. Although we do not often agree on much, in terms of policy, we do recognize that Parliament has to function on behalf of Canadians.
In that light, I wonder if the government House leader could update us. There is only a day left in the calendar. Maybe, in that time, the government might bring forward a budget so that it can show Canadians how it is going to manage all of this spending and borrowing that it has racked up.
My counterpart, the government House leader, was quite animated yesterday, telling Canadians that they have the choice of filling up their car with gas or diesel. That choice is soon coming to an end. Kicking in next year will be the Liberal ban on internal combustion engines. Maybe they would like to repeal that ban in the remaining days, since he seems to love filling up his car with gas so much. Maybe he would like to continue to enjoy that right in the years to come, and maybe they will bring in legislation to repeal that very ban.
I can tell him that if he is about to answer yes to that, I promise that Conservatives will fast-track any such legislation to preserve the rights of Canadians to fill up their cars with gas long into the future.
If he likes, I can even table the departmental regulations that show this ban is starting next year and that, by 2035, 100% of vehicles sold in Canada must be electric vehicles. That would add massive costs for Canadians hoping to purchase a conventional gas or diesel vehicle.
In that light, I would like to ask him if he could answer that very specific question and wish him a very good summer as he returns to his constituency and spends time with his family.
Steven MacKinnon LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, that is a backhanded compliment if I ever heard one. I can think of one internal combustion engine that my hon. colleague could maybe come help me with, and I could go help him with his, and that is the lawnmower. We will be ripping the cord on that after a long session. We will be ripping the cord on the internal combustion lawnmower and getting caught up on some household duties.
I want to echo everything that my hon. colleague said and thank all the parliamentary staff, the Speaker, the clerks, all the personnel who support the table, the cafeteria, the food service staff and, of course, the PPS. I congratulate them on their 10th anniversary and echo everything said about the pages. I thank them for their service and thank them for their time here. We have been delighted to have them and wish them well as their studies progress.
I also want to thank the members of the official opposition, the official opposition chief whip and the opposition House leader.
I also want to thank the House leader of the Bloc Québécois and the whip of the Bloc Québécois. There is also the former whip whom I still see in the House, and I know that she is giving very good advice to her successor. I also thank the NDP and the Green Party and all their teams. There are a lot of people who support us in our respective roles, and that is very important.
I want to single one person out. I am sure the opposition House leader will indulge me.
I want to thank Sarah Leclair. Thank God she was there. I thank her for supporting the Liberal caucus, the Liberal government for these years. We wish her well as she relocates to another part of our great nation.
Returning to the matter at hand, this afternoon we will resume debate at second reading of Bill C‑3, an act to amend the Citizenship Act. As per our solemn promise to the people of Canada, tomorrow we will begin the debate at report stage and at third reading of Bill C‑5, an act to enact the free trade and labour mobility in Canada act and the building Canada act, which hopefully will be delivered to Canadians in time for Canada Day, along with the income tax cut, which will benefit 22 million Canadians as of July 1.
I wish a happy Canada Day to our great country and all the people who call it home.
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Mr. Speaker, as the chief whip of the Bloc Québécois, I too would like to take this opportunity to thank the other members of the House. Although we do not always agree, we still manage to get things done. We have also been much better at moving issues forward over the past month than in previous months.
I would also like to thank you, Mr. Speaker, and your team of Deputy Speakers, who learned their duties quickly and are doing a great job. I would also like to thank the team of House clerks and all the employees who work with them. We in the Bloc Québécois appreciate them. I think that the House of Commons staff in general are aware of this. We greatly appreciate the outstanding and impeccable service that is being delivered in this Parliament. It was a pleasant surprise for most of us when we arrived. That is just a comment.
I would also like to thank the people in the Parliamentary Protective Service. The service's 10th anniversary has already been highlighted. These are people who dedicate themselves to protecting us. That means a lot. We appreciate that, we thank them, and we wish them continued success. I would also like to thank the maintenance staff and the janitors we meet in our offices. We are often in a hurry and may not always greet them, but they deserve our respect. If they were not here, we would not be here. What we do on Parliament Hill is a group effort, so I would like to thank everyone. I hope I have not forgotten any groups.
Of course, I have to end with the most important group for us francophones: the interpreters. Despite the sometimes heated debates, where people are talking at the same time, the interpreters do an extraordinary job, of impeccable quality. It is truly impressive to see the extent to which they can convey, in real time, what are sometimes highly complex or technical remarks, especially at committee meetings. I did not mention the staff assigned to committees. I think they are included in the House staff.
I wish all of these people a very good summer.
We are off to celebrate Quebec's national holiday.
I wish Canadians everywhere a happy Canada Day.
See you again next fall.
Business of the HouseOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Colleagues, as we prepare to focus on our families and our constituents, I also want to take a moment to thank all those who have made it possible for us to do our work here in the House of Commons.
On behalf of all members, I sincerely thank administration employees; our work would have ground to a halt without them. I thank the interpreters, the IT team, the maintenance staff, the clerks, the pages and the broadcasting team. I also thank the members of the Parliamentary Protective Service who show up every day to keep us safe. Their service is inspiring, and we appreciate them always.
All of us, members and especially those who support them, have earned a break. I wish everyone a safe and restful summer and time to connect with their loved ones.
The House resumed consideration of the motion that Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Chi Nguyen Liberal Spadina—Harbourfront, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to provide some clarity around a few of the measures included in Bill C-3, an act to amend the Citizenship Act for 2025.
Under the Citizenship Act, there are three ways to become a Canadian.
First, people can immigrate to Canada to get Canadian status. This is the story of my parents. I am the proud daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. My family came to Canada with hopes of safety and opportunity for their children. Like countless newcomers, they worked hard to build a future with the promise of true belonging. They earned their Canadian citizenship the way many families have, through resilience, hope and a deep commitment to this country.
Second, they can become a citizen by being born here. This is the story of my boys. Being Canadian, for me, meant that I did not have to pay a $100,000 hospital bill to have my children. My boys have inherited something that so many around the world dream of: Canadian citizenship. It matters to me as a mom and as a member of Parliament representing over 41,000 immigrants in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. We must continue to protect Canadian values while ensuring that the pathway to getting citizenship is transparent.
Finally, someone can become a citizen by descent. This is where Bill C-3 steps in. It addresses the much-needed changes in Canada's approach to citizenship. In the previous act, Canadians who were born in Canada or who became citizens through immigration could pass citizenship on to children born abroad. However, those who inherited their citizenship by descent were not allowed to pass it on to their children born outside Canada. This rule, known as the first-generation limit, has created two tiers of Canadian citizenship.
Bill C-3 would make two major changes to restore fairness and reflect our charter values.
First, it would automatically restore or grant citizenship to individuals who lost it or were denied it due to outdated provisions, including the first-generation limit and the old rule that required people to apply to retain their citizenship by age 28. This includes lost Canadians, people who fell through the cracks of the law despite their deep connection to Canada through their parents and grandparents. They should never have been left out of our national fabric. They include the children of public servants posted abroad and people who lost their citizenship only because of technicalities. If enacted, this bill would extend automatic citizenship to anyone who was born outside the country to a Canadian parent before the legislation came into force and who is not currently able to claim citizenship by descent, because of the first-generation limit.
Second, Bill C-3 would introduce a new framework for citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. Our proposed legislation would extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation in a way that would be inclusive and uphold Canadian values. Any child born abroad when or after Bill C-3 comes into force, to a Canadian citizen who was also born outside Canada, would be Canadian from birth if their parent can demonstrate that they have a substantial connection to Canada in the form of three years of physical presence in the country before the child's birth. This strikes a fair balance. It would protect the integrity of Canadian citizenship while recognizing that many Canadians live, work and raise families abroad but remain deeply connected to the country they call home.
What about now? What about families who cannot wait? If enacted, once in force, the bill would extend automatic citizenship to anyone who was born outside the country to a Canadian parent before the legislation came into force. This would include those who are currently not able to claim citizenship by descent, because of the first-generation limit. This would also include lost Canadians and their descendants. We know we cannot predict the number of children who would be born abroad when or after Bill C-3 is enacted. The current Citizenship Act will remain in force until this coming November. As Bill C-3 makes its way through the parliamentary process and the first-generation limit continues to be in force, IRCC has introduced an interim measure so that people impacted by the first-generation limit would have a pathway to citizenship. These are important steps while we work to enshrine these rights into law.
What happens if this bill is not enacted? After November 20, if Bill C-3 is not in force, there would be no limit to citizenship by descent for many people born to Canadians abroad. Without this bill, Canadian citizenship for many could be passed in perpetuity to future generations born outside Canada, regardless of their connection to our country. However, others would remain restricted by the first-generation limit. There are several groups who would not become citizens or have access to citizenship as a result of the court declaration taking effect before Bill C-3 comes into force.
I am proud to stand with a government that has put forward this bill and is finally getting this right, because being Canadian is more than a legal status; it is a promise. It is a promise of belonging, of dignity and of equal opportunity. It is a promise that has shaped my own life and the lives of millions. To be Canadian means having access to our democratic institutions, to vote, to run for office and to contribute fully to public life. It means access to job opportunities, public services and, yes, a passport that opens doors around the world. More than that, citizenship is about identity; it is about saying that someone is one of us.
When we arbitrarily deny that promise to people with deep, verifiable connections to Canada, we are not upholding the value of citizenship. Instead, we are undermining it. We cannot leave behind those who love this country, who are tied to it by family, service and sacrifice. These are Canadians, and it is time we recognize them as such.
In a moment when our country is striving to build unity, Bill C-3 is a step in the right direction. It is a step towards closing historical gaps, recognizing families in their fullness and embracing all who carry Canada in their hearts, even if they were born outside our borders. This is how my parents built a life for my family. It is how I built a life for my children and how we can welcome home the lost Canadians.
I am proud to be the member of Parliament for a riding that is a mosaic. Immigrants are the backbone of this country, and Spadina—Harbourfront is a place where dreams take shape every day. We hear multiple languages on the sidewalk. We see small business owners opening shops before sunrise. We feel the vibrancy of different cultures, faiths and histories woven together, not in spite of our difference, but because of them.
Let us be a country that does not forget. Let us be a country that welcomes, recognizes and belongs to those who belong to it. Let us pass Bill C-3.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, I believe this is a new member, so I welcome her to this place and thank her for her commitment to being a part of this important process.
This is a government bill that would allow many more people to become citizens of Canada. I assume that, in putting the bill forward, the government knows how many people it would affect and has an estimate of what additional costs it would impose on social services based on the right that these new citizens would have to access those services.
I wonder if the member could simply share with the House how many people this would affect and what the government's cost estimate for these new measures is.
Chi Nguyen Liberal Spadina—Harbourfront, ON
Mr. Speaker, in terms of how many people would be impacted by this legislation, the reality is that the majority of lost Canadian cases were remedied by the legislative amendments that were implemented in 2009 and 2015, with about 20,000 people either acquiring citizenship or having their citizenship restored through the amendment.
The government has not tracked births abroad since the Citizenship Act came into force in 1977, so it is impossible to estimate the number of persons born abroad to Canadian citizens. The department only becomes aware of these individuals if they choose to engage with a department for services, for example, seeking proof of citizenship or a passport. Moreover, not every person who has become a citizen automatically through previous legislative amendments will choose to engage the department on their status and request documentation of the status. Between 2019 and 2023, inclusively, IRCC received an average of 48,000 applications for proof of citizenship certificates annually.
Andréanne Larouche Bloc Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet my colleague through the organization À voix égales, which promotes the place of women in politics. In fact, I am sorry to see that there are fewer women in the new Parliament. That is what I wanted to say. She may answer if she wishes.
I have a more specific question for her. During her remarks, my colleague talked about her family's arrival in Canada.
Does she think that women arriving here in 2025 have access to all the services they need to assist them when various studies have shown that women arriving here are often penalized, especially francophone women?
Chi Nguyen Liberal Spadina—Harbourfront, ON
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her very thoughtful question, and I appreciate the time we worked together in the past promoting the space of women in politics and women in leadership.
In terms of the services in the country supporting women as they come through their immigration experience, the federal government does support a wide range of programs that support the integration of newcomers, and their experience, with programs such as the HIPPY program, which is a federally funded and supported program. It is an example of the kind of supports that exist in our system.
Bardish Chagger Liberal Waterloo, ON
Mr. Speaker, it was fascinating to hear about the member's family. We heard a little bit of emotion when she talked about her parents and her children, and just how much people who have come to Canada can give. Unless one is indigenous, everyone immigrated here at some point, and it is important that we value what people come to give and contribute.
Within the riding of Waterloo, I have a constituent who was born abroad, but came to Canada right away. Her family is from Canada, and she contributes in Canada and pays taxes in Canada. She works for a Canadian company, but was travelling abroad when she delivered her baby earlier than expected. Because she was born abroad, and now her baby was born abroad, her baby was not eligible for citizenship.
I would like to hear the members' comments on that issue. Should the child of a Canadian be a Canadian?
Chi Nguyen Liberal Spadina—Harbourfront, ON
Mr. Speaker, I believe they should. I know that, in the meantime, while Bill C-3 is hopefully moving through the system, we have introduced interim measures to support those affected. Individuals born abroad before December 19, 2023, can apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship under section 5(4) of the Citizenship Act. Those born after that date may also be eligible if their parents spent at least three years in Canada before their birth. We have also prioritized those virgin cases. This is how we are prioritizing and making sure that no one falls through the cracks at this time.