Debates of Sept. 15th, 2025

Liberal Party of Canada

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this place on the first day of the fall session to resume the important work we should have been doing over the summer.

At a time when Canadians were promised a government that was here to meet the moment and to accomplish things at speeds not seen in decades, the Liberals went on vacation, posed for photo ops and signed empty agreements. This is more of the same, with the same Liberal ministers and the same Liberal MPs delivering the same old results.

I spent the majority of the past nine months in the riding hearing from constituents, and they want to see the tired government held to account for its inaction and empty promises. Canadians want a government that meets their issues with the same urgency they themselves feel.

Conservatives are ready to do the work and continue to hold the Liberals to account to deliver more than just empty promises, with real results for Canadians.

Mexican Independence Day

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, September 16, is Mexican Independence Day, and I rise to recognize this momentous occasion. For over 80 years, Canada and Mexico have built a strong partnership rooted in shared values and mutual respect. We collaborate across countless fronts, from cultural exchanges to substantial investments that strengthen both of our economies.

The current challenge of U.S. tariffs presents an unprecedented opportunity for Canada and Mexico to deepen our relationship. As our Prime Minister emphasized in his discussions with President Sheinbaum, our governments are committed to strengthening trade ties and exploring new economic co-operation.

The Mexican Canadian community has nearly doubled over the past decade, bringing tremendous energy and expertise to our economy. These hard-working individuals contribute immeasurably to Canada's success, enriching our communities through their entrepreneurship, innovation and cultural vibrancy.

I look forward to an even brighter future of collaboration, prosperity and friendship between Mexico and Canada. Viva México. Viva Canadá.

International Trade

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, right now, Foothills farmers are in the middle of what looks to be a bumper canola crop. However, instead of celebrating what looks to be one of the best harvests they have had in years, they are being crushed by canola tariffs of 75% or more from Communist China, blocking them from their second-largest market.

The Prime Minister said he was a master negotiator who would be there when Canadians needed him most. Instead of results, Beijing has added more tariffs and higher ones on canola farmers. Now our pea, canola, pork, seafood and beef producers are all being blocked from a critical market.

The Liberals' response to this is higher loans for farmers, but canola growers are adamant that they cannot borrow themselves out of this crisis. Canada's Conservatives are committed to finding real solutions to this crisis, but Canadian farm families know they have a real champion in Canada's Conservatives, led by the hon. member for Battle River—Crowfoot.

René Homier‑Roy

[Madeleine Chenette, Liberal, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great emotion that I rise today to pay tribute to René Homier‑Roy, a cultural icon in Quebec, who has passed away at the age of 85.

For over six decades, he shaped our collective imagination. René Homier‑Roy talked about our culture, our literature, our films, our theatre and our artists on the radio, on television, and in his columns with a rare intellect, insatiable curiosity and great respect. His unique voice, which was both strong and warm, was part of the daily lives of generations of Quebeckers. On a more personal note, he taught me about our Quebec and Canadian culture and opened my mind to international talent. We have lost much more than a journalist or radio or television host. We have lost a voice that brought our culture to life and gave it the full recognition and dignity it deserves.

I want to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends, as well as to his colleagues at Radio-Canada and in the cultural community. Quebec and Canada are mourning the loss of a man who gave us so much. His legacy will live on—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Mégantic—L'Érable—Lotbinière.

David Berthold

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I have a message for David's friends.

David was our first child, mine and Caro's first child. He had a heart as big as the sky, and we were so proud of him. As a big brother, he was protective toward his two sisters, Marie-Soleil and Justine. He was a boy who never held back from saying “I love you” to his parents.

David was also a young man who tried marijuana one day with his friends. He was the type of young person who wanted to try everything himself. After experiencing his first heartbreak, David found comfort among his friends. Experimentation evolved into addiction. One day he went too far and wound up in front of a judge, but he promised he would never do drugs again. He turned his life around, found love again and became a dad to Clovis and Éloi. David saw himself as a strong guy. He had no need of therapy. However, life threw him one curveball and then another, and David's old demons resurfaced because he had kept in touch with his friends.

My wife, Caro, wrote this on Facebook on September 10:

Seven months ago today, my son took his own life....Because he wouldn't ask for help...he wouldn't take the hand that was being held out to him....

Today, September 10, is Suicide Prevention Day.

Please...ask for help or...accept the help that people who love you offer you....

I urge all of David's friends not to do what he did. Help is always available.

We love you, David.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

My deepest condolences go out to the member.

Mississauga—Erin Mills

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it was a busy summer in Mississauga—Erin Mills. I met with constituents across my riding, listening to their concerns and their hopes for the future of Canada.

I hosted my annual community barbecue, where thousands of neighbours and their families came together to enjoy a meal and connect with our community. I facilitated round tables for constructive solution finding and joined my community in their events and their celebrations. What I heard most clearly was a growing concern about crime. Families want safe streets, parents want peace of mind for their children, and seniors want security in their homes and online.

These concerns cannot be ignored. We must be ready to meet the moment. Our priority must be to reduce crime, support families and ensure that Canadians feel secure where they live.

I will continue to work with colleagues in the House to deliver real solutions.

Public Safety

[Amarjeet Gill, Conservative, Brampton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised to fix the broken bail system, but he left for summer vacation without delivering, and he returns to Parliament still empty-handed.

Let me share with members how bad the crime waves are in Brampton and across Canada: Violent crime is up 55%, gun crime is up 130%, hate crimes are up 258%, extortion is up 350%, and overdoses are tearing through our neighbourhoods. In Brampton, a home invasion resulted in the death of a young Canadian. This is becoming the norm in Canada.

Canadians deserve a justice system that protects Canadians. It is time to put victims ahead of criminals. Let us put repeat violent offenders in jail and not give them bail. Canadians expect safer streets and neighbourhoods, not more Liberal delays and excuses. It is time for action, and it is time for change.

I urge the Prime Minister to put political games aside and protect Canadians from these everyday crimes.

Guy Rocher

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the choice of topic for my first intervention this fall was clear. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude, affection, recognition and admiration for the timeless Guy Rocher, a man, a sociologist, a nation builder and an educator, at once so kind and so clear, who left us on September 3 at the age of 101.

Guy Rocher was the founder of Quebec's education system, the father of secularism in Quebec, the author of our Charter of the French Language, and a pioneer of our sociological tradition. He was a quiet revolutionary who laid the groundwork for everything we are as a people and for our distinct, legitimate and generous national identity.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Guy Rocher's loved ones. If not for his leadership, I doubt the noble pursuit of making Quebec a country in its own right would ever have come to be.

I am grateful to Mr. Rocher. He is no mere centenarian; history will render him eternal.

Economic Development

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians still pay the price for the lost, anti-development Liberal decade. Six months ago, to get elected, the Prime Minister promised to put shovels in the ground on big projects at unimaginable speeds, but what Canadians got was the same old Liberal bait and switch, photo ops and more bureaucracy, because the PM is just another Liberal.

The Liberals say five projects have made their secret list so far, some already approved and some already being built, but there is not a single pipeline to create Canadian jobs with Canadian steel and pay for programs that all Canadians want.

Conservatives worked to improve and pass Bill C-5, but it is not enough to get back the $60 billion that left Canada due to Liberal red tape. Bill C-5 admits that the Liberals' own laws blocked building. They must scrap the “no new pipelines, never build anything anywhere” Bill C-69; the shipping ban, Bill C-48; Canadian energy censorship; the Liberal oil and gas cap; and the federal industrial carbon tax so Canada can compete.

Conservatives want to unleash natural resources to make a strong, united Canada self-reliant, affordable—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Saint-Laurent.

International Day of Peace

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, I had an opportunity to participate in the Peace Road in Beaudet Park in my riding. It is an event organized by the Universal Peace Federation as well as other organizations in Saint‑Laurent to celebrate the International Day of Peace. This event reminds us that peace starts here, at home.

International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 each year, also reminds us of the millions affected by conflicts and wars worldwide and that we cannot let values like empathy, compassion and co-operation falter at home or abroad. These are the values that make us Canadian. They are the reason we chose Canada to be our home.

In a context where incidents of hate and violence seem to be growing in Canada, we have a duty to build inclusive communities where we all feel respected and safe. This is how we can build Canada strong.

Let us reaffirm our shared responsibility as Canadians and as global citizens, to uphold peace every single day.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we all want Canada to succeed, and that is why we will hold the Prime Minister accountable for his promises, compared to the results. Do his words match his deeds?

He promised the fastest-growing economy in the G7, yet we have seen shrinking growth, high unemployment, rising food prices and worsening debt. He promised that he would double homebuilding, but it has fallen, and he is adding more bureaucracy that has not built a single home.

He promised that after 10 years of Liberals driving up costs, crime and chaos, he would be different. Sadly, whether it is unemployment, the cost of living, homebuilding, tariffs, crime or immigration, it has gotten worse. It is more broken Liberal promises from another Liberal prime minister.

Conservatives are here to help. We will oppose the things that are not good for Canadians, support the things that are and propose solutions to the problems that Liberals have created.

Adam's Ride to Recovery

[Helena Jaczek, Liberal, Markham—Stouffville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to tell the House about a remarkable constituent of mine from Markham—Stouffville. In 2023, Adam Shah was just nine years old when he came up with the idea of organizing “Adam's ride to recovery”, a charity event to raise money for Markham Stouffville Hospital. He encouraged his family members and his friends at Wendat Village Public School to take part.

Now, Adam is 11 and the “ride to recovery” has become an annual event. I was happy to be there this summer to see 150 participants on bikes and on foot. The ride is supported by the phenomenal people at the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. Each year, the ride has raised more money than the year before, now totalling $3,185. Adam has shown an incredible example of leadership and commitment to community service at such a young age.

I congratulate Adam and the “ride to recovery” team. Keep up the amazing work.

Freedom of Speech

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, freedom of speech is the cornerstone of a free society. It means we will hear ideas that we disagree with and express views that may be offensive.

This freedom can make us uncomfortable or even hurt, but silencing voices, whether for a moment or forever, is never the answer. We must protect a society where people can hold beliefs and share opinions without fear of losing their jobs, being censored or worse.

Charlie Kirk was an outspoken advocate for faith, family and freedom. Many disagreed with him; some were offended. Tragically, on September 10 he was assassinated in an attempt to silence his voice.

When has political violence ever been the solution? It destroys dialogue, it undermines democracy, and it breeds fear instead of understanding. True progress comes from persuasion, not intimidation. As we grapple with our personal response to this, may we be honourable in our actions, may we fiercely defend the right of our opponents to speak freely, and may we join our hearts with Charlie's family, his wife Erika and his two young children. May he rest in peace.

Ken Dryden

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Dryden, whose passing is a profound loss for Canada.

I had the privilege of working with Ken and witnessed first-hand his thoughtfulness, intellect and dedication. He was deeply committed to improving sport culture and advancing efforts to better protect athletes from concussions.

While many will remember him as a Hall of Fame goaltender and six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens, he was so much more. He was a scholar, an author, a parliamentarian and a leader whose influence extended far beyond the ice. Ken's life left an indelible mark both in sport and in public life. His vision, generosity and commitment to excellence continue to inspire Canadians across generations.

On behalf of this House, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

René Homier‑Roy

[Marie-Gabrielle Ménard, Liberal, Hochelaga—Rosemont-Est, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the country lost more than a voice. René Homier‑Roy, a broadcaster, cultural critic and, as he liked to say, professional spectator, has died at age 85. He had just hung up his microphone and retired.

René, today, I am listening to my gut, as you taught me to do. I will not talk about you, René. Instead, I will talk directly to you.

René, my dear mentor, I spent 10 years by your side and 43 years listening to you, appreciating your quick wit, your uniqueness and the depth of your knowledge and experience.

René, you had the strength to resist complacency. You never believed in objectivity. You took the path of honesty.

René, you are a great communicator. The capacity to listen is a talent that you certainly had, coupled with your curiosity.

René, I hope that wherever you are, it is very entertaining.

Farewell, René.

Government Priorities

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, my mother taught me never to be late, so please forgive me for my late arrival to the session.

I had some meetings with extremely important people in east central Alberta, after which I was honoured to be elected by the great people of Battle River—Crowfoot. I thank the great Damien Kurek, who made it possible, and I thank the Prime Minister for calling a prompt by-election. I wonder if one day he might regret that decision.

In the spirit of good faith, I wonder if the Prime Minister agrees that our goal should be a Canada where hard work is rewarded, where food and homes are affordable, where streets are safe, where borders are solid and where we are all united under a proud flag.

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all parliamentarians in welcoming the member for Battle River—Crowfoot back to the House of Commons. He may notice a few things have changed since he was here last: the largest women's caucus in Canadian history and a spirit of collaboration that was shown in the opening session, including in the passage of the Building Canada Act.

The House also passed the Bloc Québécois's Bill C-202 to protect supply management.

I absolutely agree with the Leader of the Opposition's feelings and objectives for our great country.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I was deliberately flexible on time because it is a special day, but now we are going to respect the 35-second limit.

The hon. Leader of the Opposition has the floor.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, some things never change.

I would like to thank my constituents in Battle River—Crowfoot, Mr. Kurek and the Prime Minister for holding a by-election so quickly. I wonder whether he will regret that decision sometimes, but I think we can all agree with the goal of once again making Canada a place where hard work is rewarded, where food and homes are affordable, where streets are safe, where borders are solid and where we are all united under a proud flag.

Does the Prime Minister agree with that?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with the Leader of the Opposition's feelings and objectives for our great country.

Government Accountability

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister mentioned how much had changed, and it is true. I look around this place, and when I left, there was a Liberal prime minister who was making excuses about breaking promises and was running massive deficits, and costs, crime and chaos were all out of control, whereas today we have a Liberal Prime Minister breaking promises, making excuses and running massive deficits, with costs, crime and chaos out of control.

When will the Prime Minister match the grand promises with the real change Canadians need?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Leader of the Opposition was busy. He missed the largest tax cut for 22 million Canadians. He missed the cut on the GST for new homes. He missed our eliminating all federal barriers to trade. I hope I will have another opportunity to finish a very long list of what the Leader of the Opposition missed.