House of Commons Hansard #24 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was victims.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Relieving Grieving Parents of an Administrative Burden Act (Evan's Law) First reading of Bill C-222. The bill amends EI and Canada Labour Code to allow parents on parental leave to continue receiving benefits after a child's death, easing administrative burden and red tape for grieving families. 300 words.
Keeping Children Safe Act First reading of Bill C-223. The bill amends the Divorce Act to give children a voice, consider coercive control and family violence, and prevent practices like forced reunification therapy, ensuring children's safety and preferences in divorce proceedings. 200 words.
Food and Drugs Act First reading of Bill C-224. The bill amends the Food and Drugs Act to reverse changes made by Bill C-47, aiming to restore the traditional definition of natural health products and separate them from therapeutic products. 300 words.
Criminal Code First reading of Bill C-225. The bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code to address intimate partner violence, creating unique offences, presuming first-degree murder in partner homicides, allowing judicial risk assessment custody, and streamlining evidence procedures. 300 words.
National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act First reading of Bill C-226. The bill establishes a national framework for food price transparency by implementing unit pricing across Canada. This aims to empower consumers to compare prices, make informed choices, and save money on groceries. 100 words.
National Strategy on Housing for Young Canadians Act First reading of Bill C-227. The bill establishes a national strategy on housing for young Canadians. It calls for the federal government and partners to understand unique barriers and develop lasting solutions for young people facing the housing crisis. 300 words.
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act First reading of Bill C-228. The bill requires Parliament to review and vote on trade agreements before ratification, and mandates the government to table and publish agreement texts for greater transparency and public input. 200 words.
National Framework on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Act First reading of Bill C-229. The bill establishes a national framework for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It aims to provide tools for doctors and teachers to diagnose, treat, and support people with ADHD, improving outcomes. 300 words.
Opposition Motion—Violent Crime and Repeat Offenders Members debate rising crime rates and the Liberal government's justice reforms. Conservatives move for a "Three-Strikes-And-You're-Out" law, alleging a 50% increase in violent crime due to Liberal policies that facilitate repeat offenders. Liberals promise bail reform legislation this fall, emphasizing evidence-based solutions and shared provincial responsibility. Bloc Québécois and NDP members critique the Conservative proposal as ineffective and unconstitutional, advocating for rehabilitation, judicial discretion, and addressing the root causes of crime. 52000 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Members' Access to Federal Penitentiary Kevin Lamoureux responds to a question of privilege concerning an MP's alleged obstruction and intimidation accessing a federal penitentiary, arguing the MP was granted access and it's not a breach of privilege. 300 words.
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative leader always wants to bring U.S.-style politics to Canada. Let me be clear. This did not work in the U.S., and many states are already repealing that law. We are focused on real, practical, proven solutions that are constitutional and will keep criminals behind bars.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, 157 kilograms is the amount of cocaine that was recently seized by Alberta police. This type of drug is often laced with fentanyl and carfentanil and goes on to kill thousands. The reality is that there is a lack of incentive for drug dealers not to do this because of soft-on-crime policies by the Liberals, so the question is this: When will they stop obstructing and start repealing their soft-on-crime agenda?
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank those in law enforcement for their diligent and hard work in ensuring that guns are off our streets.
If the member is serious about protecting our borders, he will support us in passing the strong borders act, Bill C-2. It would help us crack down on fentanyl, auto theft, money laundering, illegal firearms, irregular migration and organized crime, while upholding the privacy and charter rights of Canadians. It would give law enforcement the tools needed to dismantle increasingly sophisticated organized criminal networks.
A secure Canada is a strong Canada, and we are taking action to ensure the safety and security of—
Public SafetyOral Questions
Michael Guglielmin Conservative Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, in just three weeks, Vaughan has seen seven shootings, seven incidents of violent crime. Since the Liberal government changed bail laws, violent crime is up by 50%. Our Conservative motion calls for a “three strikes and you're out” law to keep repeat violent offenders in jail. Why is the Liberal government waiting until next month to introduce bail legislation, putting more Canadians in danger every day?
The Prime Minister's failure to act is a betrayal of the victims of crime. When will the Liberals stop obstructing so people can feel safe in their own homes?
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, one of the ways that the Conservatives can be effective is they can help us pass Bill C-2. Currently, all mail couriers, like UPS, FedEx and Purolator, can be checked for drugs. What cannot be checked are Canada Post packages under 500 grams.
Two grams of fentanyl is lethal. It can kill a human being. Why are the Conservatives on the side of drug traffickers?
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
Mr. Speaker, if anyone has an interest in taking dangerous guns off the streets, it is the police. In a stunning indictment of the Liberals' gun confiscation scheme, the Ontario Provincial Police has just told the government it will not participate in the Liberals' ridiculous gun grab. The OPP knows what we have been saying all along: that spending hundreds of millions of dollars to confiscate the property of law-abiding Canadians will not make our streets any safer.
Today, the Liberals have the opportunity to do the right thing and put an end to their catch-and-release justice system. Will the Liberals stop obstructing and support our motion to keep violent repeat offenders off our streets?
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, on April 28 this year, Canadians gave this government a mandate to ensure that guns are off our streets, which included completing the gun buyback program. I respect the decision of the Ontario Provincial Police in this regard. It is important to remember that OPP represents about 26% of overall policing in Ontario. This does not mean that we cannot and will not continue with the program at collection facilities and with the municipal police.
We cannot be tough on crime without being tough on guns. This is exactly what we are doing to keep Canadians safe.
Dominique Vien Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Mr. Speaker, I normally love jogging and walking outside, but I no longer do that during the weeks I am here in Ottawa for work. I no longer go out alone after dinner, because I am afraid. I have had people scream at me and shout abuse at me for being a woman.
Another problem is intimate partner violence, which is hidden and under-reported. We have to stop looking the other way. We are introducing Bill C-225, which aims to protect women from intimate partner violence, as well as a motion to adopt a “three strikes” law.
Will the Liberals support us?
Patricia Lattanzio LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, we are working very hard to be able to introduce legislation shortly. In fact, the Minister of Justice has already committed to introducing a bill in the House this fall.
We know that the safety of our communities does not depend on slogans. It is our responsibility. While we are focused on delivering real results, the Conservatives are focused on recycling slogans and fearmongering.
Canadians deserve to feel safe in their own communities, and we will take action.
Dominique Vien Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Mr. Speaker, as a woman, I am somewhat taken aback and disappointed to hear that.
Women have to be hypervigilant at all times. Behind closed doors, the situation is disturbing. Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence against women. This morning, our colleague from Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola introduced Bill C‑225, which would protect women who do not have a voice.
Can we count on the Liberals to ensure that this bill is passed quickly, yes or no?
Nathalie Provost LiberalSecretary of State (Nature)
Mr. Speaker, I understand. I understand my colleague when she talks about how hard it is to walk down the street as a woman. I have experienced that and still experience it from time to time.
However, what is being proposed today will not help make our streets safer. Common-sense laws and regulations, drafted after discussions with the community and all levels of government, are what will enable us to come up with a collective solution.
Together, by passing Bill C‑2, we will be able to do something for Canadian women.
Patrick Bonin Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, an expert report released today by the Canadian Climate Institute confirms that Canada will not meet its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. It is the Liberals' fault. By abandoning policies such as carbon pricing and continuing to encourage increased oil production in the oil sands, the Liberals are standing in the way of reaching their own target. That is what the experts are saying. What is even more alarming is that the Prime Minister is not committing to respecting his 2030 target.
Will the Liberals respect the 2030 target or not?
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the Bloc Québécois member shares my interest in protecting the environment and fighting climate change. We always knew it would be tough, but we are ready to do the work. If the member really wants to know where things stand, I can tell him that the Conservative Party across the way has no plan. It was the Conservatives who increased greenhouse gas emissions.
If my colleague wants to work on this, he should work with our government to do the necessary work to fight climate change.
Patrick Bonin Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are abandoning the fight against climate change to sell more oil and gas. They are abandoning carbon pricing and incentives for zero-emissions vehicles. They are imposing their Bill C-5 to circumvent environmental legislation and impose energy projects. They are backtracking on capping greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector. In short, they are acting as though promoting oil and gas is part of Canada's identity.
Are they undermining the fight against climate change? Is that the legacy they want to leave?
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, I am always very clear and our government is very clear: We are going to build a very strong country, a strong Canada, a Canada that will be good for future generations. To do that, we need to fight climate change. We are well aware of that, and we are doing that work. We will continue to do so.
Last week, I was in Manitoba to talk about how to help low-income individuals modernize their homes. This shows that we are working with the provinces, and we will continue to do so.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, Liberal bail laws have broken the system beyond parody. In St. Thomas, a repeat offender was arrested for breaking and entering and released on bail with a curfew. He had to be in his home by 10 p.m. every night, but there is an issue: He is homeless. He does not have a home. The Liberals have made it so ridiculous that people are getting released on bail with a curfew to nowhere. Violent offenders are getting out after being arrested. The Liberals are doing nothing about it.
If the Liberals are not going to stand up and commit to supporting our “three strikes and you're out” motion now, how many strikes do they think are enough to lock up a repeat offender?
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, the government is tough on crime. We are introducing new legislation this fall to strengthen our bail system for those charged with violent offences. Through our proposed stronger borders act, Bill C-2, we are cracking down on organized crime, auto theft, fentanyl and human traffickers, and securing our borders. We are listening to Canadian law enforcement agencies, and we are going to ensure we put forward measures that keep Canadians safe.
Arpan Khanna Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, soft-on-crime Liberal laws are hard on Canadians and our communities. Just yesterday, Halton region passed a unanimous motion demanding action from the Liberals on repeat violent offenders now, not in October, and not next year. After a decade of Liberal catch-and-release laws, which have allowed criminals to terrorize our communities, they are now obstructing Conservative jail not bail laws that will lock up criminals.
How many lives have to be lost before the Liberals finally wake up and get out of the way?
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, slogans are not going to resolve crime on our streets. What is important for us is that we bring forward legislation to address the issues of serious violent offenders as well as bail reform. That is exactly what the Minister of Justice is doing. He has been consulting with Canadians across Canada. I have been able to meet with a number of police chiefs, as well as police unions, to talk about smart criminal justice reform. That is exactly what we will be doing.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, irresponsible Liberal policies that allow violent criminals to be held under house arrest and repeat offenders to be released early have led to a 55% surge in violent crime since 2015. Quebec communities have not been spared, and law-abiding citizens live in constant fear because they do not feel safe.
Our Conservative motion proposes a “three strikes” law that would impose minimum sentences of 10 years without parole for repeat offenders who have committed three serious crimes.
If the Liberals truly care about the safety of Canadians, will they support our motion?
Patricia Lattanzio LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, we are working closely with the provinces and territories to reform our bail system, look at sentencing and address court delays. This will give police and prosecutors more effective tools to keep violent offenders off our streets, particularly in cases of violent or organized crime, breaking and entering, car theft and human trafficking.
Canadians elected this new government to improve public safety, restore confidence in the justice system and ensure—
Public SafetyOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I must interrupt the parliamentary secretary.
The hon. member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga.
Shelby Kramp-Neuman Conservative Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was elected on the promise that he was the only one who could deliver a trade deal with the United States. Instead, here is the dismal record. He promised a deal by July 21, and there is no deal. He promised elbows up and, instead, antagonized an unpredictable administration. He promised strength at the table and, instead, delivered concession after concession with nothing in return.
Meanwhile, Mexico got a deal. Its exports to the U.S. went up 1.4% last quarter, while ours dropped 18%. What has Mexico done so right that the Prime Minister has done so wrong?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, we have the best deal on earth right now when it comes to exporting because 85% of all our products being sent to the U.S. are without any tariffs. We know that we need to be there for the businesses and workers in the sectors that are now tariffed, and we are here with $6 billion on the table to help them.
We also know that we are over-dependent on the U.S., and all members of the House should be getting behind the government's plan because we need to diversify.