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.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Madam Chair, he does not want to meet with the father of a victim. That is reprehensible.
What about Tara Desousa, Canada's youngest dangerous offender, who sexually assaulted a baby and lives at the same jail as the mother-child program. Is the minister going to give us the same answer again, that it is up to someone else, when he is the minister?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, I have been the minister for three weeks. Based on my understanding of my portfolio, this matter falls under the purview of Correctional Service Canada, and it is up to it to make these determinations, not the minister.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Madam Chair, does this minister have any control over what happens in his jails?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, once again, Correctional Service Canada makes that determination. It is an independent body. It is up to Correctional Service Canada to make the decision, and this is the way it should be.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Madam Chair, I invite Canadians to behold our Public Safety Minister, who has no idea what is going on and is seemingly indifferent.
Now let us get to bail. The minister said that the bail system was sound. Does he stand by that?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, I realize that we are playing to TikTok and other social media.
Our bail system is something that we committed to strengthen, and we will do that.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Madam Chair, in his words, not TikTok's words, does he believe that the bail system is sound, yes or no?
The Deputy Chair Liberal Alexandra Mendes
The hon. member will wait until I call on him by his constituency name.
The hon. minister.
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, we have a sound criminal justice system. It does require strengthening, and we look forward to doing the work in this mandate.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Madam Chair, yesterday, seven people were involved as fentanyl kingpins. They were on bail at the time of the alleged offences. Does that sound like a sound system?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, once again, this is something that is before the courts, and I will not be commenting on it.
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, throughout my election campaign, I had the privilege of meeting people from all over Montmorency—Charlevoix who talked to me about the legislation stemming from Bill C‑21. Farmers, hunters, sport shooters and even athletes told me how worried they were.
Can the minister tell us whether he agrees that the legislation stemming from Bill C‑21 is unfair?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, in terms of legislation that has gone through the House, it was the will of Parliament, where those decisions have been made. Anything outside of that is not within my scope.
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, that means that, at some point, honest farmers who own firearms, store them legally and register them will no longer be able to use those firearms to defend their own homes and their livestock. Is that it?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, we have a fairly robust set of guidelines for restricting guns, and Bill C-21 addresses many of the concerns that I have heard from my constituents.
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, the Montmorency—Charlevoix region is rich in sport shooting, and hunting and fishing. This generates strong economic spinoffs, with more than 68,000 people employed in this industry.
Does the legislation resulting from Bill C‑21 seek to impose limits on law-abiding sport hunters who train to properly use their weapons and practise their sport, even to hunt their own food?
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, many military personnel continue to train as they were trained in the army to use firearms safely and effectively and to go to shooting ranges. I have three ranges in my riding.
Has the minister ever visited a shooting range in Canada?
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, without knowing how shooting ranges work, the Liberals are prepared to take action and take this option away from sport shooters who use firearms legally, in a structured and effective manner.
Will the legislation resulting from Bill C‑21 affect these people?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Madam Chair, Bill C-21 was brought in to protect the safety and security of Canadians. There are legal gun owners. There are hunters who legitimately hunt. It should not be impacting those individuals.
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, in my riding, many biathletes use firearms to practise their sport.
Will the legislation resulting from Bill C‑21 restrict them from using their guns to practise their sport?
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Madam Chair, the biathletes who use their guns will not be affected, but farmers who need their guns to protect their livestock could be affected.
Is that fair?