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.
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, the investments we are making relate specifically to the program of buyback, and that is not going directly to anything other than the buyback program.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Chair, that seems like an incredible missed opportunity, I can tell members, at all ports of entry, including those in my district at Johnstown and Lansdowne.
Minister, you said, “The actual crimes, the actual issues around bail are quite sound and they are embedded [and] codified in law right now.”
I have two questions for you: Do you think that current bail laws in the regime are working? Do you believe that Canadians feel safe?
The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater
Please address questions through the Chair.
The hon. minister.
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, we look forward to bringing changes to the bail program, or bail reform. Of course, this is something that involves not just the federal government but also the provincial governments and municipalities as well.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Chair, I have asked the minister a number of questions seeking specifics on the bill prioritized as number two in the order, the first bill put forward in the Parliament. The minister has not been able to provide any of the details that would satisfy some of the most pressing issues facing our country right now.
Where does it say in the legislation that we will repeal any of the laws passed by the Liberals that have weakened bail conditions and that have allowed dangerous offenders to stay on our streets?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, as I have indicated earlier, this is not a bail reform bill. It is a border bill.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, prior to the minister's 2015 election, he practised business, real estate and human international rights law, but never criminal law.
Is that correct?
Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park Ontario
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Chair, no, it is not correct. I did a fair amount of criminal work as well.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, in your previous role as the parliamentary secretary to former justice minister Lametti and your brief two-month appointment as justice minister this year, have you ever attended a courthouse to observe a bail hearing?
The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater
Please address all questions through the Chair.
The hon. minister.
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, while not recently, I have attended many bail hearings.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, has the minister observed a bail hearing since becoming Minister of Public Safety?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, in the three weeks since I was appointed, no.
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, [Technical difficulty—Editor].
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, in 2022, former justice minister Lametti said at committee that Canada's bail system was strong and sound despite calls for reform from premiers and police. The minister doubled down on that statement on April 15, stating that bail in Canada is “quite sound”. Does he still believe that?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, that was obviously taken out of context, but we will be working on bail reform. We look forward to working with the opposition on it.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, those were the minister's exact words during an election debate.
Will the minister admit it is putting violent offenders back on the street?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, we need to do better on bail. We look forward to bringing forward legislation to that effect.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, the Prime Minister recently appointed Lametti as principal secretary in the PMO. It is the same minister who was fired by Justin Trudeau, who authorized the illegal declaration of an emergency and who gutted and weakened our criminal justice system. Are you proud of that appointment?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, former minister Lametti is an outstanding Canadian of true integrity. He is an academic, and his stature is beyond reproach in this Parliament.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Chair, former justice minister Virani said at committee that he was proud of the fact that he and his government delivered bail reform through the passage of Bill C-48. Does the minister still hold that same belief?
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Chair, Bill C-48 was a result of consultations and engagements we had with the provinces and territories. We will continue to do those engagements and bring forward the appropriate—