Debates of Sept. 15th, 2025

Question No.151—

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), the purchase order was for a one-time, non-recurring recruitment service to secure the recruitment of a specialized external candidate.

With regard to (b), the purchase order was issued on October 5, 2016.

With regard to (c), CBC's hiring manager responsible for filling the posting authorized the purchase order following the hiring of the successful candidate.

With regard to (d), GC Strategies Inc. identified and provided a candidate who was ultimately successful. The agency earned a corresponding placement fee.

With regard to (e), GC Strategies Inc. approached CBC's hiring manager following the public posting of the job opportunity.

Question No.153—

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Ponoka—Didsbury, AB]

With regard to government measures to monitor the border: (a) what is the total number of helicopters used at the border, broken down by those (i) owned, (ii) leased; (b) for helicopters leased, which companies are they leased from; (c) what is the total number of patrol boats in use, broken down by type of boat and whether the boats are owned or leased; (d) for patrol boats being leased, which companies are they leased from; (e) what is the total number of drones used at the border, broken down by type of drone and whether they are owned or leased; and (f) for drones leased, which companies are they leased from?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, in response to parts (c) and (d) of the question, for security reasons and to maintain the integrity of the operations of the Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, information pertaining to the use of boats has been withheld.

As of June 11, 2025, the CBSA owns 11 rigid hull inflatable boats.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, deploys helicopters, marine vessels, and drones, also referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, or RPAS, to support border operations, as well as other mandated priorities. The specific number of each asset used at the border can fluctuate each day, dependent on several factors. Key factors include: a rapidly evolving operational landscape; how border operations are conducted by the RCMP; and the demand for resources placed on the RCMP by shifting priorities, which are determined either by evolving risks/threats or Government of Canada priorities.

To protect the integrity of RCMP equipment and the operations which they support, the RCMP is not able to provide specific details on the type of marine vessels or RPAS used by the organization.

In response to part (a) of the question, the RCMP currently owns a total of nine helicopters; six of which can be deployed, as required, to support border integrity operations. Additionally, two Black Hawks, chartered by Helicopter Transport Services; and another one (1) Black Hawk, chartered by Expedition Helicopters Inc.

With respect to part (b), the RCMP does not currently lease helicopters; however, the RCMP does charter three helicopters as described in part (a). Note that the RCMP defines leasing as a long-term agreement for the use of an asset, like an aircraft, with the lessee, or user, often having more control and responsibility over its operation. Chartering equipment is usually a shorter-term arrangement for a specific purpose, with the charterer, or user, often relying on the owner or operator for the asset's operation, including pilot, crew, and maintenance.

With respect to part (c), the RCMP owns approximately 45 marine vessels deployed for federal border operations across Canada. This number may vary slightly due to vessels in and out of service and for other operational matters.

With respect to part (d), the RCMP does not currently lease marine vessels.

With respect to part(e), in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, the RCMP procured 60 drones specifically for task missions tied to integrated border enforcement work that it carries out across the country. The use of RPAS allows the RCMP to monitor remote or hard-to-access areas more effectively, helping detect and respond to potential risks in real time. The Canadian Armed Forces provided over 40 secured drones to support RCMP border security activities.

With respect to part (f), the RCMP does not currently lease drones.

Question No.158—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

With regard to Veterans Affairs Canada’s public and private directives to veterans concerning the certification of service dogs: (a) what are the directives currently issued; (b) how has each directive changed between January 1, 2016, and today; and (c) from January 1, 2016, to today, what are the details of any internal or external communications or briefing materials between Veterans Affairs Canada officials or with other departments, stakeholders, or individuals relating to the public and private directives issued to veterans regarding the certification of service dogs, including the (i) date, (ii) title, (iii) sender, (iv) recipient, (v) type of communication, (vi) file or tracking number?

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes the growing interest in the use of service dogs to support Veterans with physical and mental health conditions as well as offering a range of mental health treatments for various conditions. At present, psychiatric service dogs are not currently recognized under Veterans Affairs Canada’s treatment benefits however Veterans Affairs Canada remains committed to reviewing its approach to psychiatric service dogs.

While Veterans Affairs Canada acknowledges the potential of psychiatric service dogs to assist individuals with mental health conditions, the priority remains to ensure Veterans have access to evidence-based, safe, and effective health benefits. At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of psychiatric service dogs as a recognized treatment.

In June 2022, the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs released its report, “Incorporating Service Dogs into the Rehabilitation Program of Veterans Affairs Canada.” Among its recommendations, the committee encouraged Veterans Affairs Canada to consider the ongoing five-year service dog training pilot program by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, once a national standard is established in Canada.

Veterans Affairs Canada continues to monitor emerging research on psychiatric service dogs including the aforementioned study, which began in late 2022 and is expected to run for five years. Veterans Affairs Canada will review the study’s findings and best practices to assess their relevance and applicability within the Canadian context. In 2015, Veterans Affairs Canada funded a pilot study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of service dogs for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2019, through the Veteran Family and Well-being Fund, Veterans Affairs Canada provided funding to Wounded Warriors Canada to support the development of a post-traumatic stress disorder service dog certification program.

Of note, in 2018, the Government of Canada expanded the Medical Expense Tax Credit to include expenses for specially trained service animals. This credit is available to eligible Canadians, including Veterans.

With regard to (a), Veterans Affairs Canada does not have any public or private directives concerning certification of service dogs for Veterans.

With regard to (b), the response is not applicable.

With regard to (c), although Veterans Affairs Canada has had, and continues to have, internal and external communications regarding service dogs in general, it does not have records relating to the public and private directives issued to Veterans regarding the certification of service dogs.

Question No.161—

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

With regard to the call between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the India External Affairs Minister, in late May 2025: (a) what were the issues and topics discussed during the call and what progress or agreements, if any, were made in relation to each issue or topic; and (b) have there been any follow-up calls or meetings between the minister, her office, or other government officials and the Government of India, and, if so, what are the details of each such meetings?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.

With respect to part (a) of the question, on May 25, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and the Indian external affairs minister held a productive discussion on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening economic co-operation and advancing shared priorities.

With respect to part (b), diplomatic channels have remained open, and conversations have continued between Government of Canada and Government of India officials throughout the recent challenging period in bilateral relations. Following the call between the foreign ministers, the Prime Minister of Canada spoke with the Prime Minister of India on June 6, 2025. The two leaders discussed the long-standing Canada-India relationship, emphasizing strong people-to-people ties and substantial commercial links. They agreed that the bilateral relationship must be founded upon mutual respect, the rule of law and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also agreed to continue law enforcement dialogue and discussions to address shared security concerns. The Prime Minister of Canada extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Both leaders agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting later that month at the summit.

Question No.163—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

With regard to communications sponsored by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic: (a) which individual or agency developed the “Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic” communication, which was first published on July 13, 2021, and last updated on October 25, 2023; (b) who provided the final approval of the communication in (a) and when; (c) which individual or agency developed the narrative for the video titled, “Are there any ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines that I should be concerned about”, narrated by Dr. Ayesha Raza; (d) who provided the final approval of the communication in (c) and when; (e) which individual or agency developed the narrative for the video titled, “Can the COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility”, narrated by Dr. Darine El-Chaâr; (f) who provided the final approval of the communication in (e) and when; (g) on December 23, 2021, which individual or agency developed the advice to Canadians about the interchangeability of vaccines found on the government's website, titled, “COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide, For health professionals, Notice”; and (h) who provided the final approval of the communication in (g) and when?

[Maggie Chi, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the “Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic” fact sheet was developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, or PHAC. The content was drawn largely from text that was previously posted to Canada.ca.

In response to (b), the fact sheet was approved on May 19, 2021, by the chief of operations in the health portfolio operations centre.

In response to (c), the scripts were developed in collaboration between PHAC and Health Canada.

In response to (d), the Privy Council Office, or PCO, provided final approval of the script on July 16, 2021.

In response to (e), the scripts were developed in collaboration between PHAC and Health Canada.

In response to (f), PCO provided final approval of the script on July 16, 2021.

In response to (g), the Canadian Immunization Guide, or CIG, is a comprehensive resource on immunization maintained by PHAC. The CIG is developed based on recommendations from PHAC and statements of independent expert advisory committees, including the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, or NACI, and the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel.

The initial publication of the COVID-19 vaccine chapter in the CIG, released on December 23, 2021, integrated all NACI guidance that remained relevant and current at the time, including the June 1, 2021, advice on the interchangeability of authorized COVID 19 vaccines.

In response to (h), as outlined in the NACI terms of reference, NACI provides ongoing and timely medical, scientific and public health advice for routine programs and in urgent situations, such as an influenza pandemic, related to Canada's use of vaccines to prevent infection and disease, and certain prophylactic agents, for example immunoglobulins.

While NACI is responsible for developing scientific and public health advice related to vaccine use in Canada, PHAC retains final decision-making authority. Final approval of guidance published in the CIG, including notices, rests with PHAC to ensure alignment with federal public health policies and operational considerations. Approval for the publication of the content within the COVID 19 vaccines CIG chapter was provided by the vice-presidents of the PHAC COVID 19 vaccine rollout task force and infectious disease programs branch on November 30, 2021.

Question No.166—

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Sturgeon River, AB]

With regard to preliminary audits of registered third parties undertaken by Elections Canada during the 45th general election, prior to April 28, 2025: what were the details of each preliminary audit undertaken, including the (i) name of the third party, (ii) website name and uniform resource locator of the organization, (iii) cause or concern for issuing the preliminary audit, (iv) results of the preliminary audit?

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, Elections Canada does not perform preliminary audits of registered third parties. The interim returns that are filed during the election period are for information purposes only and are not subject to audit. Audits will be conducted following the submission of Third Party’s Electoral Campaign Returns, which are due on August 28, 2025.

Below are links to the third party interim returns that have been published for the 45th general election, or GE, as well as to the tools for third parties page.

Third party financial returns for the 45th GE can be found at https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=fin&dir=oth/thi/advert/tp45&document=index&lang=e.

Tools for third parties can be found at https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=pol&dir=thi&document=index&lang=e.

Question No.167—

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Clarke, ON]

With regard to eligibility for Canada Student Loan forgiveness for healthcare professionals working in rural and remote communities: (a) for which specific professions is such forgiveness available; (b) for which healthcare professions is such forgiveness not available; (c) why were the professions in (b) excluded; and (d) is the government reviewing the list of eligible professions, to consider possible changes, and, if so, what are the details of the review process?

[Annie Koutrakis, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families]

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the Canada student loan, or CSL, forgiveness benefit is currently available to family doctors, family medicine residents in training, registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, registered practical nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse practitioners who work in an eligible underserved rural or remote community. As announced in budget 2024, the government is expanding the list of eligible occupations to include early childhood educators, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, midwives, teachers, social workers, psychologists, personal support workers and physiotherapists. Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1, S.C. 2024, c. 17, included necessary legislative amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and the Canada Student Loans Act to expand the list of eligible occupations. Pending regulatory approval, it is expected that the CSL forgiveness benefit will be available to borrowers working in the newly eligible occupations this fall.

In response to (b), loan forgiveness will be available only to borrowers working in an occupation specifically listed in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and the Canada Student Loans Act.

In response to (c), the government considered several factors when determining the list of newly eligible occupations, as follows:

One, labour market information, i.e., the Canadian occupational projection system and customized data on demand in rural tracts, was used to identify sectors that are projected to be in shortage in the coming years. These expected shortages include occupations such as physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists, dentists and allied healthcare professionals.

Two, in addition, extensive consultations were undertaken with provinces and territories, stakeholders from numerous different professions and student organizations to ensure their voices were heard while the government examined various options. The need for enhanced mental health supports, the growing importance of interdisciplinary care and care services for an aging population were all highlighted as being a priority for stakeholders, supporting the addition of psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, midwives and personal support workers to the list of eligible occupations.

Three, certain occupations were considered and identified as playing key roles in supporting the implementation of Government of Canada priorities, namely the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, the Canadian dental care plan, and the national pharmacare plan.

Four, in addition, while the Government of Canada recognizes that there are numerous other occupations in shortage in rural and remote communities, the government has a fiscal responsibility towards Canadians and must ensure that tax dollars are being spent efficiently on programs that matter most to them. The expansion of the list to add the additional 10 new occupations balances both fiscal prudence and health and social service shortages, and it is anticipated that the 10 new occupations will have an important and immediate impact on the lives of Canadians living in these underserved communities.

In response to (d), this is the last of three planned enhancements to the CSL forgiveness benefit, which also included increasing the amount of forgiveness available to family doctors and nurses by 50% in November 2023 and expanding the definition of underserved rural or remote community to include all communities with a population of 30,000 or less in November 2024. Further amendments to the list of eligible occupations are not anticipated at this time.

Accessibility Standards Canada has reviewed all available data and has confirmed that it has not participated in the Canada student loan program, nor does it have such a program within its mandate.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has reviewed the information available and has confirmed that it has not participated in the Canada student loan program, nor does it have such a program within its mandate.

Question No.170—

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Clarke, ON]

With regard to the Main Estimates, 2025-26: (a) what is the total amount of netted revenue projected for the fiscal year 2025-26, broken down by department, agency and Crown corporation; (b) what is the breakdown of (a) by source of revenue; (c) what is the total amount of gross expenses, broken down by department, agency and Crown corporation; and (d) what is the breakdown of (c) by type of expense?

[Tom Osborne, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board]

Mr. Speaker, Main Estimates 2025-2026 includes netted revenue projections of $15.6 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The “2025–26 Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object” table, found at https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/planned-government-spending/government-expenditure-plan-main-estimates/2025-26-estimates/budgetary-expenditures-standard-objects.html, shows planned expenditures for each organization in the main estimates, broken down by type of expenditure. The table also provides projections of netted revenues for each organization. Additional information on planned expenditures and revenues is available in the 2025–26 departmental plans, found at https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/planned-government-spending/reports-plans-priorities/2025-26-departmental-plans.html.

Question No.173—

[Kelly DeRidder, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

With regard to meetings held by the Strategic Science Fund's steering committee in which a declaration, conflict, potential perception of conflict, abstention or recusal was noted in the meeting minutes, from December 1, 2022, to June 11, 2025: what are the details of each instance noted in the meeting minutes, broken down by director, including (i) the decision in question, (ii) the amount of funding tied to the decision, (iii) the name of the entity receiving funding related to the decision, (iv) the name of the board member for whom a declaration, conflict, potential perception of conflict, abstention or recusal was noted, (v) the reason for which the declaration, conflict, potential perception of conflict, abstention or recusal was divulged by the board member, (vi) whether the board member held a private interest in the decision?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions]

Mr. Speaker, for the time frame identified, there were no declarations of conflict, potential perceptions of conflict, abstentions or recusals of the strategic science fund's steering committee members or delegates.

The purpose of the strategic science fund steering committee is to provide strategic oversight in the design and delivery of the program. The steering committee affirms the robustness and credibility of the review process and confirms that the appropriate level of due diligence was conducted. The strategic science fund steering committee does not make funding decisions. Funding decisions for the strategic science fund are made by the ministers of industry and health, informed by the advice of an independent expert advisory panel.

Question No.177—

[Helena Konanz, Conservative, Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

With regard to the lease agreement between the government and the Penticton Shooting Sports Association: (a) what is the legal property designation subject to the lease agreement; (b) on what date did the government decide to end the lease agreement; (c) on what grounds was the decision to end the lease agreement taken; (d) what consultation was done on the decision to end the lease agreement between January 1, 2023 and June 13, 2025; (e) on what date was the Penticton Shooting Sports Association informed of this decision; (f) what is the estimated value of the land previously subject to the lease agreement; (g) does the government have a plan to sell the land, and, if so, to whom and what will the land be used for in the future; and (h) what impact did the government's anti-sport shooter and anti-hunter agenda have on the decision to end the lease agreement?

[Heath MacDonald, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the property title is KD93041, and the parcel is identified as 011-370-963 in the Osoyoos Division Yale District, except plans H397 and 41847.

In response to (b), the Penticton Shooting Sports Association, or PSSA, was formally advised through a letter in May 2024 that the lease termination date is December 31, 2025.

In response to (c), this federal land is not required for program and operational purposes. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, or AAFC, is in the process of disposing of this surplus land, pursuant to the Treasury Board directive on the management of real property. The property must be vacated so that divestiture activities may move forward, including environmental remediation of the lands and indigenous consultations.

In response to (d), AAFC and the PSSA have been in consultation on the potential end of the lease agreement, pursuant to the terms and conditions of their agreement. AAFC communicated to the PSSA the decision to divest the land parcels by letter in January 2023, followed by an in-person meeting in June 2023. PSSA were also notified in December 2023 that ongoing environmental site assessment work was taking place in the spring of 2024 and that once the environmental remediation was planned, the lands would have to be vacated to prevent any potential recontamination of the lands. A follow-up letter was issued on May 3, 2024, notifying the PSSA that its lease will terminate on December 31, 2025, by which time the property must be vacated. The requirement to remediate the lands aligns with the divestiture activities prescribed in the Treasury Board directive on the management of real property.

With regard to part (e) of the question, the PSSA was notified of the department’s decision to divest the surplus land in January 2023, and again during an in-person site visit in June 2023, where we verbally informed the PSSA of the requirement to eventually terminate the lease in order to continue with disposal requirements. The PSSA was officially notified by letter in May 2024 of the termination date of December 31, 2025.

With regard to (f), a market value assessment has yet to be completed.

In response to (g), AAFC is following the Treasury Board, or TB, prescribed divestiture process, which is currently under way. We are completing the necessary due diligence requirements as outlined in the TB directive on the management of real property. As such, and at this time, it would be premature to speculate on future ownership or use of the property, as these considerations occur later in the process.

With respect to part (h), as part of its due diligence to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer funds, all Government of Canada departments are required to review and evaluate property holdings on an ongoing basis. Properties that are underutilized, inefficient or no longer needed to support programs are typically declared surplus. The parcels of land in question are not being used by the department due to their topography and distance from the Summerland Research and Development Centre. From an AAFC perspective, the decision to dispose of them aligns with standard government practice regarding surplus assets, including the decision to terminate the lease on the site in order to move forward with the divestiture process. This reflects AAFC’s obligations to manage federal lands responsibly and align with broader real property strategies.

Question No.179—

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

With regard to the government’s standing agreements with the state of Israel, including the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement and the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership: (a) what are the timelines, including specific or approximate dates if available, for both annual and comprehensive reviews; (b) what is entailed and who is involved in the reviews; (c) which departments and agencies, and specifically which directorates, sectors or branches are, involved in the reviews; and (d) what mechanisms, if any are available for public participation in this process?

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (International Development)]

Mr. Speaker, Canada remains deeply alarmed by the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. An immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the resumption of unhindered United Nations-led humanitarian aid must be secured to alleviate this crisis. Canada is committed to supporting efforts to advance progress towards the two-state solution, the only pathway to enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

The Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, 1997, Canada’s first free trade agreement outside of North America, was modernized in 2019 to expand market access in Israel for Canadian companies and to include progressive provisions on gender, small and medium-sized enterprises, corporate social responsibility, labour and the environment. Palestinian exports to Canada also benefit from preferential treatment under the agreement. The Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding was announced in 2014 and covers an array of areas of bilateral co-operation.

With regard to (a), the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement allows the parties to undertake a review of the agreement within five years of its entry into force and periodically thereafter as the parties decide. To date, neither party has requested to undertake a review of the agreement. Per the terms of the strategic partnership memorandum of understanding, Canada and Israel will review annually, during the political consultations process, the progress made in achieving the desired goals and benchmarks set out in the memorandum of understanding. Canada and Israel will also conduct a comprehensive review of the memorandum of understanding every five years.

With regard to (b), with respect to the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, the agreement is not prescriptive about the review process or the specific personnel involved in the process for each side. Participants and procedures would be determined by the parties to the agreement, Canada and Israel, on a case-by-case basis. Review of the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding involves officials from both countries.

With regard to (c), the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement is not prescriptive with regard to the directorates, sectors or branches of the governments that would be involved in a review of the agreement. Specific actors involved in the review process would be identified by the parties upon notification of a request for review by either party. For Canada, any review would be led by Global Affairs Canada.

With regard to (d), Global Affairs Canada has a public consultations mailbox, [e-mail], which remains available to receive and respond to enquiries on any trade agreement, including the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, at any time. Should both parties undertake to review the agreement, methods of public consultation would be identified by each party.

Question No.181—

[William Stevenson, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

With regard to the government’s firearms buyback program and the confiscation of firearms: (a) how were the prices determined; (b) what appeal procedures are available to hunters that believe the price being offered by the government is unfairly low; (c) at what physical locations are firearms owners supposed to go to drop off these firearms, and what are the hours of each location; (d) to what locations will the firearms be sent and destroyed once they are purchased by the government; (e) how are the firearms secured, while in transport from the drop off location, where they are destroyed, including what additional security measures are in place to ensure that violent criminals do not intercept the firearms during transit; and (f) how much has been paid out to date to firearms owners under the buyback program?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), the assault-style firearms compensation program, ASFCP, opened to all eligible businesses between December 6, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Compensation amounts for assault-style firearms affected by the May 2020 prohibition were determined based on in-depth research and analysis, which includereviewing manufacturer prices, Canadian dealer and retailer prices, foreign retailer prices, pricing guidebooks and auction listings; and consulting with the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, CSAAA, which served as an intermediary with businesses and confirmed that compensation amounts reasonably reflected what businesses may have paid in 2020 for affected ASFs.

A $250 administrative amount was also provided for each assault-style firearm turned in to offset processing and packaging costs as well as inventory and holding costs incurred since the 2020 prohibition.

With regard to (b), PS continues to make progress towards a launch of the program for individuals later this year. Details will be shared in due course.

With regard to (c), (d) and (e), during the operation of the program for businesses, businesses were responsible for the safe packaging of their firearms in accordance with the Storage, Display and Transportation of Firearms and Other Weapons by Businesses regulations SOR/98-210 and any applicable provincial or territorial laws. Businesses were also responsible for making shipping arrangements with a carrier licensed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Canada Post for the firearms to be shipped for destruction.

Due to security and safety issues, the names and locations of the contractors involved in the ASFCP cannot be disclosed. Collection activities under the program for individuals will be supported by contribution agreements with provincial and municipal authorities.

With regard to (f), the ASFCP is a voluntary program. As of April 30, businesses had claimed over 12,000 prohibited items for compensation. As of July 3, $13,044,823 in compensation has been paid.

Question No.182—

[William Stevenson, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

With regard to government knowledge of the estimated firearms inventory in Canada: (a) how many firearms does the government currently estimate are legally owned in Canada, and by how many legal owners; and (b) what is the breakdown of (a) by classification and specific make and model of firearm?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), as there is no requirement to register non-restricted firearms with the RCMP Canadian firearms program, it is not possible to provide actual counts or estimates for the number of firearms legally owned in Canada or the number of firearms owners. However, as of December 31, 2024, there were 1,267,992 firearms registered in Canada and 814,005 licences with prohibited and/or restricted privileges.

With regard to (b), as of December 31, 2024, there were775,266 restricted licence-holders, 38,739 prohibited licence-holders, 1,104,147 restricted firearms registered and163,845 prohibited firearms registered.

Regarding the classification and specific make and model of firearms, the RCMP undertook an extensive preliminary search in order to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The level of detail of the information requested is not systematically tracked in a centralized database. The RCMP is a decentralized organization composed of over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country. The RCMP concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted and this could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.