House of Commons Hansard #28 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was communities.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Canadian Heritage Members present reports on tech giants, online harms, and media. Conservatives oppose Bills C-11 and C-18, citing censorship, and advocate for new laws to criminalize online sexual exploitation and deepfakes. 400 words.
Combatting Hate Crime Second reading of Bill C-9. The bill aims to combat hate crimes and propaganda by creating new offences for obstruction and intimidation of access to religious or cultural places, enhancing penalties for hate-motivated crimes, and criminalizing the public display of certain hate or terrorist symbols. It also codifies the definition of "hatred" and removes the Attorney General's consent for hate propaganda charges. Conservatives argue the bill is flawed and late, raising concerns about the definition of hatred and potential for private prosecutions to impact free speech. The Bloc Québécois seeks to remove the religious exemption for hate speech. 21900 words, 3 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
Mr. Speaker, we are living in a troubling world where the truth and facts are slowly being buried under an onslaught of disinformation. Many experts are sounding the alarm in light of the rise in far-right ideas, the masculinist movement and fake news. All of this has an impact on democracy and public debate. With less space for reliable news, many people are a lot less informed.
Bill C‑18 was supposed to require platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Google to negotiate agreements with the media for news content. Today, the widespread blocking of access to news continues, and it has been two years. This summer, in an effort to please President Trump, the Prime Minister even backed down on his commitment to tax these digital giants. They are not paying their share and are inundating us with fake news that inflames tensions and divisions.
Once again, the Liberals are giving in to the web giants and our democracy is paying the price.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an important part of Taiwanese culture.
This summer, I had the privilege of sharing my heritage with Burnaby Central by welcoming a statue of Mazu from a respected temple in Taiwan. Like the good people of Burnaby Central, those in Taiwan carry the resilient spirit long-symbolized by Mazu. Also known as the goddess of the sea, Mazu is honoured across Asia for her strength, courage and hope. For centuries, she has guided travellers through turbulent waters, inspiring generations and offering protection equally to all.
Canada itself has been defined by the sea through migration, international trade and the courage of those who journeyed across seas to call the true north home. Just like Mazu offers safe harbour, we must lead Canada with vision, care and responsibility in uncertain times. Mazu's legacy reminds us that in our diversity lies our strength to build a Canada that is safe, inclusive, strong and free.
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, Malcolm Torrance unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 20 on April 2, during the recent election. Malcolm was a loving son and trusted friend, a political science student, president of the University of Calgary's Campus Conservatives, a former Conservative intern known to many here on the Hill, director of the Calgary Crowfoot Conservative Association and, at the time of his death, an active and dedicated volunteer on my election team. During his short life, he had a significant impact on his community and touched the lives of many. While ideologically driven and having strong opinions, he always treated everyone with respect, including those with whom he did not agree.
As an ongoing celebration of Malcolm's life, the Malcolm Torrance award in Canadian politics will be established by his family, his friends and his University of Calgary colleagues. He leaves a legacy of friendship, memories, public service and inspiration to others.
Rest well, Malcolm.
Gurbux Saini Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Mr. Speaker, over the summer, at various engagements, I was in my riding of Fleetwood—Port Kells where I had countless conversations with constituents. Their concerns came through loud and clear. People are worried about crime, extortion, bail reform and the rising cost of living.
That is why the government is taking action. This includes the introduction of my private member's bill to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency, so Canadians can compare prices, make informed choices and save money at the grocery store. Canadians deserve a future that is fairer, safer and affordable. The government and I are committed to deliver on that.
Arpan Khanna Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is a busy time for farmers in Oxford and across our country as they bring home the harvest. Oxford is home to more than 3,000 grain farmers out of the 28,000 in our province who generate more than $27 billion for our economy and support more than 90,000 jobs. Our farmers rise before dawn, work late and battle the elements.
However, today they face more than the weather; they face the Liberal government, which attacks their way of life. Farmers are burdened by rising input costs, red tape, supply chain disruptions, punishing fertilizer tariffs and a trade crisis that includes a 75% tariff on canola by Beijing. Despite the Prime Minister's claim of being a master negotiator, trade disputes with the U.S. and China have worsened. He even met with the Premier of China yesterday, and surprise, surprise, there is no deal. This hurts our farmers, and they pay the price. Despite it all, our farmers press on: long days in the field, early mornings and generations farming together.
As Conservatives, we thank God for our farmers, because when our farmers grow, Canada grows.
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome back my lovely colleagues.
We are returning from our ridings after a busy summer, no doubt more motivated than ever to take part in this new parliamentary session. I have returned with such pride in Sherbrooke that I cannot keep it to myself.
Today marks the 10th anniversary of Sherbrooke's Quantum Institute, which is accomplishing great things in a very competitive field. Created under Canada first, with the smallest grant awarded that year, the institute managed to turn its ambition into concrete results with the creation of companies such as Qubic, Nord Quantique and SB Quantum. These companies, born from student projects, are living proof of Sherbrooke's success.
With over $230 million in research, 100 scientific articles per year in the most prestigious journals or international partnerships with France and Australia, the institute puts the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke and Canada on the map and establishes itself as a world leader.
Kathy Borrelli Conservative Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise on behalf of the people of Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore. I would like to thank my community for putting their trust in me. I promise I will always work very hard to deserve it.
Today I would like to acknowledge my friend and the mayor of Windsor, Drew Dilkens. Mayor Dilkens is currently recovering from a recent surgery for prostate cancer. I admire him for his character, strength and leadership, and for candidly sharing his story and advocating for early detection. I am inspired to bring his message to Ottawa. September is the national Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer can be a silent killer but a simple blood test can save lives.
My message to all men is for themselves, for their children and for their friends and family. I ask them to please get tested.
I also ask that we keep our thoughts and prayers with Mayor Dilkens and his family during his recovery.
Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, this Sunday was the International Day of Peace. It was also the day the government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, recognized the state of Palestine. We did this with our allies, the U.K., France and Australia. This was a historic moment.
The recognition of Palestine is in full keeping with Canada's long-standing support of the two-state solution. Since 1947, Canadian governments of all stripes have stood by this. Our foreign policy seeks to ensure that all in the region, regardless of ethnicity, faith or the borders one happens to be born within, can live in peace and security.
What is happening in Gaza is gut-wrenching. Children are being killed in the tens of thousands. Families are being repeatedly displaced. Starvation is settling in. The nightmare in Palestine has to stop. We need an end to this war and the release of all hostages and prisoners. We need peace for Palestinians, Israelis and all in the region.
David Bexte Conservative Bow River, AB
Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, the Liberals voted to keep the Liberal energy production cap in place, a move that kills Canadian jobs and weakens our economy. This is not just bad policy. It is common sense ignored. The Liberals are choking off Canadian energy. The Prime Minister pats Beijing on the back, a regime building two new coal-fired power plants every week. The Parliamentary Budget Officer stated that the emissions cap will wipe out $20 billion in GDP. It will cost over 40,000 jobs. That means families are struggling, communities are hurting and a country is falling behind. The emissions cap is a production cap.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers stated that the emissions cap has driven investment out of Canada. The Prime Minister promised a new era and that Canada will become an energy superpower. What do Canadians get? They get a bait and switch, a national interest list that does not even include a pipeline project.
Albertans know that the answer is not to keep strangling jobs with Ottawa's red tape. It is time to scrap this emissions cap. It is a production cap. Stop killing Canadian energy and revive our country.
Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a man who has shaped the heart and soul of Saint‑Polycarpe, a century-old municipality in my riding.
Jean-Yves Poirier is wrapping up a distinguished career after 34 years of devoted service to his community, including 10 years as mayor. Mr. Poirier is passionate about his town. A hands-on man, he knows everyone in his community. He is interested in their stories and he shares in their celebrations and struggles. He supports people's well-being by being present and by listening to them. He exemplifies the dignity and nobility of public service.
Saint‑Polycarpe owes him more than just his accomplishments within the municipality and the region. It is also indebted to him for his ability to bring together farmers, professionals, seniors and young families, who were all inspired by the same sense of community belonging.
Mr. Poirier's dedication will always be remembered in the minds and hearts of generations to come.
Wade Grant Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, as we continue Gender Equality Week, I want to echo the words of the chair of the women's caucus, who said that every 48 hours in this country, a woman or girl is killed, often by an intimate partner. Unfortunately, another stat is that indigenous women and girls are disproportionately a part of that statistic; thirty per cent of them are indigenous women or girls, when they make up only five per cent of the population of Canada.
The crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls remains a national tragedy, tearing families apart, with communities grieving and families shattered. The tragedy is compounded by systems that have far too often abandoned them. Today I think back to my own community of Musqueam, where women, for thousands of years, were the matriarchs. They were the decision-makers. They were the ones we looked to in times of need and in times of crisis.
As a father of a young indigenous girl, I am so happy to be here in the House. She is here on the Hill with me today, seeing 104 women she can look up to, to strengthen her for the future of this country.
Roman Baber Conservative York Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals rewarded terror. Hamas started the awful war. It sliced babies, raped women and killed 1,200 people. It kidnapped over 250 people, and still holds 48 hostages. Listen to Hamas; it says that state recognition is a fruit of October 7, and they vow to repeat it again and again.
The Liberals reward the barbarism by recognizing Hamastan without preconditions, not even a return of the hostages. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has been paying terrorists to slaughter Jews for 20 years. Is that who the Prime Minister wants in charge? Hamas is responsible for every death in Gaza by setting up military installations in schools, mosques and hospitals. Everyone knows that.
The Islamic Jihad loves to cause civilian deaths because civilian deaths on TV advance its political causes like they do right now. Canada's recognition of the Palestinian state will result in more deaths. The Liberals recognized the terrorist state on Rosh Hashanah. Shame on them.
Taleeb Noormohamed Liberal Vancouver Granville, BC
Mr. Speaker, this summer was an incredible season across the riding of Vancouver Granville. From local festivals such as the dragon boat races on our shore to the community days that were held across our riding, our neighbours came together in so many ways to showcase the vibrant spirit of our constituency.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and community members who helped make all these events possible, in particular our own summer gathering, which saw hundreds of people come out to share food, stories and ideas. It was a testament to the strength of our community and the dedication of those who give their time to bring us all together.
Our constituents, including some who are in the gallery today, are the heartbeat of Vancouver Granville. Their engagement over the summer months has once again shown us that when we come together, we build a stronger, more connected community. I am honoured to carry their voices and their hopes back to Ottawa as we continue our work together here in the chamber.
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Mr. Speaker, in six months, the Prime Minister has proven he is good at only one thing: breaking promises. He promised the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Instead, he delivered the fastest-shrinking economy. He said Canadians should judge him by the prices at the grocery store. Food prices are now higher than ever before, since he has been Prime Minister.
“Build, baby, build”, the Prime Minister said. “Double the pace of home construction”, he said. Instead, it has been “block, baby, block”, and home building is down 16%. He said we will be building major projects at a speed we have not seen in generations; he must have meant glacial speeds. He has not granted a single permit.
The Prime Minister claimed he would get a deal done with the U.S. by July 21. “Elbows up”, he said, and yet elbows are firmly down, tucked in, and the Prime Minister is afraid to go into the corners. Canada still has no deal. He pledged he would spend less, but spending is up 8%, and the deficit is projected to reach over $100 billion.
The Prime Minister fashions himself as a hockey player. Well, I am a hockey coach, and he should be benched.
Stéphane Lauzon Liberal Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two of our constituents from Montebello who are true baking artisans: Sabrina Sigouin, owner of La Belle Pâtissière, and Sandra Major, owner of Le Sucre au Four.
Together, they were crowned overall winners at the International Baking Industry Exposition, or IBIE, in Las Vegas. The competition was held from September 13 to 17. IBIE is the grain-based food industry's largest event in the western hemisphere, bringing together the entire professional baking community
In a fierce international competition, Sabrina and Sandra truly stood out for their sculpted buttercream cakes, fine craftsmanship, technical skill and overall creativity. Not only have they won a victory for Montebello, but they have also put Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation's regional talent in the national and even international spotlight.
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, for indigenous people, the gun grab program threatens our aboriginal inherent and treaty rights to live off the land. Our hunting rifles are not the Prime Minister's political props; they are part of our way of life and tradition, passed down through generations and rooted in a responsibility to feed our families.
Confiscating lawful guns while smugglers pour illegal guns across the border shows how badly the Liberals have lost their way. How can judges, police officers and others involved in law enforcement and justice trust the public safety minister when he says one thing behind closed doors and another thing in the chamber? The $742 million wasted on the program could have funded 5,000 police officers or 37,000 treatment beds, but instead, Canadians are feeling less safe, and indigenous peoples have our rights threatened.
The public safety minister is failing. He and the Prime Minister must be held accountable. Canadians deserve real safety, not Liberal games.
Will the Prime Minister do the right thing and replace the public safety minister?
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy and a touch of personal pride that I rise today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Maison internationale de la Rive-Sud, or MIRS.
This organization, which has provided me with extraordinary professional and community experience, is instrumental in welcoming refugees and immigrants to Montreal's south shore and helping them integrate.
Founded in Longueuil in 1975 as a support for Quebec host families who volunteered to welcome refugees from southeast Asia, it relocated to Brossard in 1980. Over the decades, MIRS has become an essential partner in helping our region become more intercultural. From French-language training to employment integration, from consultation to advocacy, MIRS takes action and nurtures thousands of people who choose Montreal's south shore as the place to rebuild their lives.
All my life, I have been fortunate to work in professions that I am passionate about. For 15 years, the Maison internationale de la Rive-Sud was one of those passions. I offer it my heartfelt congratulations.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, under the Liberals, gun crime went up by 136% in five years. Their policy has been to waste money going after hunters and farmers and take money away from border services and law enforcement, and that is what led to this crime wave. The Minister of Public Safety admitted that this policy does not work. What they did was strictly for electoral reasons.
The public safety minister has admitted that going after farmers' and hunters' hunting rifles is not going to fight crime, so the only reason to do it is his politics. If he was telling the truth, then why not reverse? If not, why is he not fired?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, what the government is doing with the gun registry is putting in place a much more efficient way for Canadians to voluntarily return prohibited firearms for fair compensation. The government is going to do it right.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's own Minister of Public Safety says the government is doing it wrong. He was caught on tape saying the program will not work, and yet the Liberals are going to rip $750 million away from our border services and police services to harass duck hunters and farmers by banning the firearms they use. This approach has led to a 130% increase in gun crime under the Liberals' watch. The police say they will not implement it. The minister says it is a bad idea, but they are doing it only for political reasons.
Why is the Prime Minister putting lives at risk for politics?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I do not even know where to begin, because of all the misrepresentations in the intervention. The person who is putting lives at risk is the Leader of the Opposition, who has voted against every single piece of gun legislation.
The Minister of Public Safety is doing it right. He is correcting an inefficient system to provide Canadians with—
FirearmsOral Questions
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I voted against the Liberal policy of reducing criminal sentences for those who use guns to commit extortion, commit robbery and commit other serious offences, while voting in favour of locking up criminals who use guns in the commission of crime. The police say that 90% of gun crime is done with guns that come illegally over the broken Liberal border.
The Liberal public safety minister admits that the Prime Minister is only playing politics. Will the Prime Minister stop the politics, fire the minister and leave Grandpa Joe's hunting rifle alone?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, once again, I have too little time to address all the issues, but let me go back to something the Leader of the Opposition said. He described farmers and duck hunters using AR-15s to hunt. I do not see that in my great province of Alberta.
I also know that the Minister of Public Safety and the government are tightening the border with Bill C-2. Will the opposition stand up to support the tightening of the border, as the Leader of the Opposition claims he will do?