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.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, illegal fishing in international waters leads to damage here at home and abroad. In the Pacific Ocean, dark vessels fish indiscriminately, using illegal gear and catching endangered and at-risk species. This hurts wild Pacific salmon, as well as global supply chains that we and our allies rely on.
Can the Minister of Fisheries tell us what Canada's new government is doing to combat illegal fishing in international waters?
Joanne Thompson LiberalMinister of Fisheries
Mr. Speaker, illegal fishing is appalling, and that is why Canada has taken a key role in the fight through Operation North Pacific Guard. Our expertly trained fisheries officers and Canadian Coast Guard crew are currently working to ensure that we disrupt the activities that lead to illegal fishing.
I am also pleased to say that the crew of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier is currently engaged in this mission. I wish the crew of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier fair seas and following winds.
Raquel Dancho Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB
Mr. Speaker, we learned some disturbing news today. A Liberal cabinet minister from Manitoba has been found to have a serious history of harassment and unprofessional conduct in the workplace. A former subordinate said they endured humiliation, intimidation and months of psychological warfare by the minister in her previous job. This is obviously completely unacceptable and unworthy of a minister of the Crown.
The Prime Minister decides who sits around the cabinet table, so was he unaware of this disturbing history of workplace abuse, or did he know and just not care?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is obviously committed to fostering a healthy work environment for everyone in the workplace, characterized by collegiality and mutual respect, and that is what we have to say on the matter.
Raquel Dancho Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB
Mr. Speaker, the victim's experience was substantiated by an independent review conducted by a law firm. Many people have been victims of workplace bullying, and few have the courage to speak out. This brave woman did, and she attempted to contact the Liberal Party, who did not even dignify this with a response.
Really, what message does this send to victims, that if one's boss engages in months of psychological warfare, the Prime Minister of Canada may promote them to the highest offices in the land? Truly, this is an unacceptable standard.
Does the Prime Minister disagree? Does he believe this is acceptable?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is a person of integrity who has been involved in public service on many levels and who has opted to serve her constituents and the public in this way. She is committed to healthy workplaces, she is committed to respect, she is committed to compassion and she will be working hard to deliver results for her constituents, the people of Manitoba and indeed all Canadians.
Costas Menegakis Conservative Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of the Liberal government's catch-and-release policies, Canadian communities are riddled with rising and record crime. People are waking up in the morning hopeful that their car will still be in the driveway. Car thefts have hit record highs in municipalities like Aurora and Richmond Hill. Even worse, violent crimes, such as home invasions and blatant smash-and-grab robberies, have become a regular occurrence in the greater Toronto area.
When will the Liberals finally focus on the safety of our communities and ensure jail before bail for violent criminals?
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, I want to take an opportunity to say that today we are debating Bill C-2, one of the first measures this government has taken to make our streets safer. We are committed to doing the work that is necessary, and there is also good news. The chief of police of Toronto has stated that auto thefts have decreased by nearly 39%, home invasions are down 42%, homicides are down 67% and shootings are down 46%.
We will be there to protect Canadians.
Jake Sawatzky Liberal New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the people of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville for the incredible work they do, both locally and globally.
In my riding, I have seen organizations having a real impact, from small businesses such as Kozak Ukrainian Eatery to faith-based groups such as Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar. It is organizations like these that play a huge role in the community.
Can the minister please share how our government is supporting groups like these to continue making a difference?
Randeep Sarai LiberalSecretary of State (International Development)
Mr. Speaker, supporting small and medium-sized Canadian organizations is a top priority for our new government. Organizations such as Cooperation Canada, Nutrition International and the Humanitarian Coalition are just some of those bringing Canadian expertise to the communities that need it most.
With tens of thousands of Canadians working in this sector, these efforts create jobs at home and build stronger self-sufficient partners abroad. I have been meeting with sector leaders and will keep working with them to ensure every dollar has maximum impact.
John Williamson Conservative Saint John—St. Croix, NB
Mr. Speaker, a convicted child sex offender in New Brunswick was recently sentenced to jail, but instead of going to prison, he was released back into the community on bail pending his appeal. He is now living just 600 metres from a school. The community is shocked that Canada's justice system is so soft on crime. Parents are deeply worried, and the victim's family feels betrayed.
Will the minister finally admit that Canada's bail laws are broken and fix the loopholes to stop convicted child sex offenders from receiving bail?
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to say that the bill we have tabled and are debating today is going to make it easier for our policing authorities to be able to catch predators for child exploitation. As I have said before, we are committed to making it tougher for violent criminals to get bail, and we are going to impose stricter sentences for repeat offenders.
As I have said before, the provinces have a huge role to play in the administration of justice, and bail is given by provincial courts. They must do their part as well. The current law states that people who are a risk to the public—
Public SafetyOral Questions
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer has examined the government's fiscal commitments, and he is warning that the numbers just do not add up. Among his troubling findings, the PBO says there is no way the Liberals can meet their spending targets without “severe cuts to the public service”.
Federal services provide critical supports to Canadians across the country, which are especially needed in this time of economic crisis and threats from Donald Trump. Will the government come clean and admit that it cannot keep the promises it has made to Canadians?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, we are very committed to presenting a very responsible fiscal framework, a framework that will build Canada in a responsible way and in a sustainable way, and that is going to make Canada strong. I am delighted to see that the member is considering voting in favour of a bill that is going to be presented in this House that is going to make a difference for 22 million Canadians. I would say that would be a great start for the NDP, to follow the Liberals in voting for Canadians.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, tens of thousands of well-paying jobs are being threatened by the 50% tariffs on steel in the auto, aerospace and building sector. The Prime Minister said he would stand up to Trump.
However, we cannot trust the Liberals. There is no labour minister. They are forcing people to go back to the office and want to replace workers with AI.
Why will the government not reform EI and income supports, and place countermeasures on U.S. steel to protect workers?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, maybe the member opposite missed the announcement where the government already took action to change EI to make it easier for workers that are impacted by unfair and illegal tariffs to access EI, including waiving the one-week period, keeping their earnings and making sure that people can access EI in areas where unemployment is growing.
We will continue to work on EI and make sure that it serves the needs of workers, who are deeply impacted in these difficult times.
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, Bill C‑202, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management), be deemed read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed considered in committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendment, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development ActOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.
Hearing none, 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)
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Earlier in question period, the Minister of Immigration accused me of misleading the House. I would like permission to table the date I referred to, which was from her website. It might help her out. I can deliver it by the page if that is what she would like. It is—
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development ActOral Questions
Some hon. members
No.
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it being the first Thursday that I have had the opportunity to do this, I would like to welcome my counterpart back to this role. We have worked together in the past, and while we definitely do not agree on much, we do have a great working relationship on behalf of our two parties, which represent the millions of Canadians who voted for us. I look forward to continuing that constructive work together in the weeks and months ahead.
I would like to know if the government House leader can update the House as to what the business of the House might be for the rest of this week and next week. We know the government has put some bills on notice and introduced some legislation. I wonder if he could tell the House if, along with finally adopting the Conservative policy of scrapping the consumer carbon tax, the Liberals will do two things. First is finish the job and take the industrial carbon tax off the backs of our steel and aluminum workers. Second, now that they have finally admitted that it was such bad policy, will they apologize to Canadians for collecting such a terrible tax for so long?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, it must be said that rarely is the sequel better than the original, but the member will have an opportunity to prove the opposite.
We are particularly grateful to the opposition and, through my hon. colleague, his caucus. I thank them for adopting a great throne speech that sketches out a very clear and bold agenda for fixing the Canadian economy and taking on the tariffs. It must be said that steel and aluminum producers are far more concerned about tariffs, and the Prime Minister is singularly committed to addressing the tariff challenge the United States has put to us.
We will have tributes today to a former colleague, friend and member of this House.
After the round of tributes, we will resume debate at second reading of Bill C-2, which contains measures relating to border security between Canada and the United States.
Pursuant to the order made by the House last week, we will debate the estimates in committee of the whole later this evening, as well as next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as I said in my previous Thursday statement.
Tomorrow morning, we will begin debate on the bill introduced earlier today regarding affordability measures for Canadians. Lastly, next Monday and Tuesday will be allotted days.
Hon. Marc GarneauOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Following discussion among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand that there is an agreement to observe a moment of silence and pay tribute in honour of our former colleague, the Hon. Marc Garneau.
I invite hon. members to rise.
[A moment of silence observed]
Hon. Marc GarneauOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The House will now proceed to tributes in memory of our former colleague, the Hon. Marc Garneau.