House of Commons Hansard #9 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Business of the House Steven MacKinnon moves motion agreed to by Members to change House Standing Orders for the 45th Parliament regarding committee composition, appointment, and procedures for suspending sittings during late-night votes. 400 words.
Strong Borders Act Second reading of Bill C-2. The bill aims to strengthen border security, combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, money laundering, and enhance immigration system integrity. Proponents say it provides crucial new tools for law enforcement. Critics raise concerns about its omnibus nature, lack of provisions on bail and sentencing, insufficient resources, and privacy implications of new powers, including lawful access and mail inspection, arguing it requires thorough, detailed work in committee. 44700 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Main Estimates, 2025-26 Members debate Public Safety and Transport estimates. Discussions include concerns about correctional service decisions, bail reform, gun control (including the buyback program), and border security (Bill C-2, CBSA/RCMP hiring). They also discuss efforts to strengthen the economy and create a single Canadian market by reducing internal trade barriers, investments in national transport infrastructure like ports and rail, and issues with air passenger rights. 31800 words, 4 hours.
Jacob Mantle Conservative York—Durham, ON
Mr. Chair, when will cancer patients have access to all types of treatment and drugs in all parts of Canada?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, again, I was clear. Part of the work of removing barriers to interprovincial trade absolutely includes making services frictionless and barrier-free, and allowing them to be provided across the country.
Jacob Mantle Conservative York—Durham, ON
Mr. Chair, does the minister know the value of lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, caused by the lack of access to cancer treatment because of internal trade barriers?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, the Conservatives seem confused in their questions. On one hand, they want to say that we are overstating the value of removing internal barriers to trade. On the other hand—
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Chair, I am honoured to rise today to give my first speech in the House of Commons for the 45th Parliament. I am hugely grateful to my family, friends, colleagues and volunteers for this opportunity.
We heard from Canadians, and they voted for a strong Liberal government to build and strengthen our economy under the leadership of our Prime Minister. It is a privilege to speak today about a vital pillar of Canada's economic future: our ports, the security that protects them and the infrastructure that connects them to the rest of the country and the world.
Canada's ports are more than just gateways. They are the lifeblood of our supply chains and, most importantly, our economy. Every year, millions of tonnes of goods flow through our ports, supporting industries from manufacturing and agriculture to retail and technology. I had the pleasure of visiting the port of Halifax a couple of weeks ago, getting a tour, and understanding and learning from them about how they can contribute to the challenging times that we are facing here in Canada today.
Ports do not operate in isolation. They rely on a network of infrastructure, like railways, highways and airports, which move goods seamlessly across provinces, territories and borders. Without modern, reliable infrastructure, our ports cannot reach their full potential. Our ports connect Canadian businesses to global markets and bring essential products to Canadian consumers.
Ports across the country, like the port of Delta in B.C., the port of Montreal and, of course, the port of Halifax in my home riding, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, from dock workers and truckers to supply chain managers and exporters. They generate billions of dollars in economic activity, directly contributing to the prosperity of communities coast to coast.
However, our ports face serious challenges. Organized crime, drug smuggling, cyber-threats and aging infrastructure put our supply chains and our economy at risk. Disruptions at major ports ripple across the country, causing delays, raising costs and threatening Canada's reputation as a reliable trading partner. Our economic security depends on the security and resilience of our ports.
That is why our government is committed to a comprehensive plan to modernize and secure our ports. Our plan focuses on investing in advanced screening and inspection technologies that allow faster, more accurate checks of cargo; enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies, border services and port authorities to detect and disrupt illicit activities before they reach Canadian soil; strengthening cybersecurity defences at ports to protect against digital attacks that could cripple trade flows; upgrading port infrastructure to handle larger volumes efficiently while maintaining security standards; and expanding trusted worker programs to ensure that only vetted, reliable personnel have access to sensitive areas.
Supporting and strengthening our ports is the key to strengthening our Canadian economy. That is why our government has committed to creating the new trade diversification corridor fund, a historic investment to build and modernize the trade infrastructure that connects Canada's ports, railways, airports, highways and other key facilities. This fund is about developing economic corridors, strategic routes that can unlock the greatest opportunities for interprovincial and international trade.
We are prioritizing areas where jobs and growth are being held back by infrastructure constraints, making targeted investments to remove bottlenecks and improve capacity. Simply put, reducing disruptions means smoother trade flows, lowering costs for businesses and consumers. We know that investing in stronger security attracts investment by ensuring Canada's ports are reliable and safe. By preventing illegal goods, we protect legitimate industries and Canadian jobs from unfair competition. Investing in modernization and innovation helps our ports and our competitiveness, thus helping Canadian exporters succeed in the global marketplace.
Of course, modern infrastructure is only part of the equation. Our ports must also be secure and resilient to protect supply chains and maintain the confidence of global trading partners. Our comprehensive plan includes investing in advanced inspection technologies, enhancing law enforcement and border agency coordination, strengthening cybersecurity at ports, expanding trusted worker programs and upgrading port infrastructure to handle growing volumes efficiently and safely.
We recognize that port security is a shared responsibility. We are working closely with provincial and municipal governments, port operators, industry partners, unions and international allies to build a system that is both secure and efficient. Together, we will foster a culture of security and resilience that safeguards the backbone of our economy.
In closing, strengthening our ports and port security is not just about protecting infrastructure; it is about protecting Canada's economic future and ensuring Canadian businesses remain competitive, Canadian consumers have access to the goods they need and Canadian workers have secure jobs. Ultimately, strong ports are the backbone of resilient supply chains that can withstand shocks and adapt to growing trade demands. By investing in safer, smarter and stronger ports, we are investing in the prosperity of every Canadian. Investing in Canada's ports is a critical step towards strengthening our national supply chains.
Let us continue working together to keep Canada moving forward.
The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater
I will now ask the member for Halifax to ask her first question to the minister.
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Chair, to the minister, why is it important for Canadians to support nation-building projects like transportation infrastructure, and how do these projects help bring us closer together as a country?
Throughout Canada's history, major infrastructure undertakings like the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Trans-Canada Highway and our network of airports and ports have played a vital role in uniting a geographically vast and diverse nation. In today's context, as we face new challenges related to population growth, climate change, economic competitiveness and regional disparities, how can investments in modern transportation infrastructure, like high-speed rail, expanded transit systems, improved highways and integrated ports, serve as the next generation of nation-building efforts?
How do these projects not only improve physical connectivity, but also promote economic inclusivity, social cohesion and a shared sense of national purpose across provinces and territories? How can Canadians, through public engagement and support, help ensure that these transformative projects reflect our collective values and long-term vision for a stronger and more connected Canada?
Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
University—Rosedale Ontario
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland LiberalMinister of Transport and Internal Trade
Mr. Chair, I would like to start by congratulating my colleague from Halifax on her election. Halifax is a wonderful city with a wonderful MP, and I am always very happy to see women elected to this House.
It is so appropriate for the member to be talking about ports and trade corridors. As an MP for Halifax, she knows how important the port is to that fine city. I am really excited about the national trade diversification fund, the $5-billion fund we committed to in the platform. I am excited about the $1.5 billion we committed to for a first and last mile trade fund.
This is a moment to build Canada. Transport, transport corridors, ports, railway lines, airports and roads are all essential to that work. I am so excited about rolling up my sleeves, getting down to work and building our country.
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Chair, to the minister, Canada's ports are vital gateways for international trade, serving as crucial links between domestic producers and global markets. Major ports like the port of Halifax in my riding, the port of Vancouver and the port of Montreal handle millions of tonnes of cargo each year, including everything from agricultural products and natural resources to manufactured goods. These ports not only support Canada's export-driven economy, but also act as economic engines in their own right, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attracting investment and driving growth in surrounding communities.
Given their central role in Canada's supply chains and economic infrastructure, how can targeted investments in port infrastructure help strengthen our trade competitiveness, create new employment opportunities and support local and regional economic development?
Additionally, how can improving port capacity, efficiency and connectivity to road, rail and intermodal hubs ensure that Canadian businesses can respond to global demand more effectively, reduce bottlenecks and build more resilient and sustainable supply chains?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, that is another great question. Our ports are quite literally our access to the world. They are so important.
Just a few weeks ago, I was so pleased to be in Halifax to meet with the great people who run that port and to hear about their ambitious plans to make a wonderful port even better. I was very pleased a few days ago to meet with the leadership of the Port of Vancouver. Their Roberts Bank terminal 2 project is a very important project for our country, and I am very excited, as minister, to be working with them and to be supporting them.
I also want to point again to the very important meeting the Prime Minister held with the premiers of the provinces and territories. An important subject of discussion was building Canada and putting forward major projects in the national interest, which included many projects to build up our ports, to build our roads, to build our trade corridors and to build our railways. This is a time for us to get to work. We need to work hard to make the Canadian economy the strongest economy in the G7 and to diversify at a time when we are facing a real threat from the United States.
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Chair, Canada is one of the largest countries in the world, stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic and up to the Arctic Ocean. This vast geography provides Canada with access to a wide range of global shipping routes and international markets, giving us a unique advantage in global trade. From the Port of Vancouver facilitating trade with Asia to the Port of Halifax opening access to Europe, and the increasingly strategic importance of Arctic shipping lanes, our ports serve as critical gateways to the world.
Given this unique positioning, how can strong, efficient and modernized ports help ensure that Canada remains well connected to global markets now and into the future? In what ways can investing in advanced port infrastructure, such as expanded capacity, improved technology and better intermodal connections, enhance our competitiveness in international trade, reduce bottlenecks and support the seamless movement of Canadian goods and resources across borders? Additionally, how can better-connected ports help businesses across all regions of the country, not just those near the coasts, take advantage of global trade opportunities? As the global economy becomes increasingly reliant on fast, resilient supply chains, what role do Canada's ports play in supporting the long-term sustainability, security and prosperity of our national economy?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, I want to highlight one aspect that my colleague raised, and that is the importance of the north and the importance of Arctic sovereignty.
I had the privilege today of meeting with the Premier of the Northwest Territories and with two chiefs from the Northwest Territories. Their enthusiasm for building Canada, for building up our sovereignty in the north, was absolutely infectious. There is a lot of excitement right now around projects like the Arctic security corridor, including the Grays Bay road and port project. We need to all join together to get these projects built. I do hope all members of this House will share that enthusiasm that we can feel in the country for rolling up our sleeves and building Canada.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with the member for Kildonan—St. Paul.
On July 6, 2013, which was 4,352 days ago, 47 people died, 65 buildings were destroyed, a town centre was completely destroyed, and a community was forever scarred by a terrible tragedy. I am talking about the Lac‑Mégantic tragedy. Faced with these facts, I am thinking of the victims, their families and the community of Lac‑Mégantic this evening. It is with the utmost respect for them that I will be holding the minister accountable this evening.
In 2018, Justin Trudeau promised to build the Lac‑Mégantic rail bypass. What was the timeline back then?
Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
University—Rosedale Ontario
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland LiberalMinister of Transport and Internal Trade
Mr. Chair, I want to congratulate the member on his election. I look forward to working with him. I really appreciate the serious tone of his question. What happened in Lac‑Mégantic was a real tragedy, and I think he would agree with me that this is not an issue that should be politicized. I had a conversation this week with Julie Morin, the mayor—
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, I also appreciate the minister's tone, but members will understand that I only have five minutes, so I would like short answers to my short questions.
What was the timeline in 2018 when the government promised a rail bypass?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, I have not made any promises yet because Minister of Transport is a new role for me, but I want to assure you—
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, with all due respect to the minister, I am not talking about a promise made by her. I am talking about the promise made by her former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, in 2018.
Had a timeline been set? What was the cost in 2018?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, as the new Minister of Transport, I can make a very serious promise to the people of Lac-Mégantic. This issue is a priority. That is why I have already spoken with the mayor.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, this is the fifth transport minister since 2018. Nothing has been done.
In 2022, my colleague was the finance minister. I would like to know how much was allocated in her budget in 2022.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, today, my responsibility is to answer questions in my capacity as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, but I want to say that Lac‑Mégantic is a priority for me.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Chair, I will refresh the minister's memory. The budget was $237 million in 2022.
Does she believe that is still sufficient?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
We will do whatever it takes to resolve the situation in Lac‑Mégantic.