Debates of Jan. 29th, 2026

Carbon Pricing

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, I have said this before, but I will say it again: There has been a study on the impact of the industrial carbon price on food, and it found that the impact was about zero. That is not the issue that we are facing, but when we are talking about the industrial carbon price, and when we are talking about clean fuel regulations, we are creating an economy for the future, which is globally moving to a low-carbon economy.

Let us talk about the clean fuel regulations one more time. In Alberta, the Imperial Oil renewable diesel plant in Strathcona will use up to 50% of Alberta's canola. Those are opportunities for farmers, which is what the Conservatives should be saying.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister often speaks about the levers they can pull. He keeps slamming one called permanent grocery price hikes. His fuel tax fixation adds seven cents today and will rocket to 17¢ a litre, an outright hunger hike hitting every part of our food supply chain.

When will the Liberal government finally show some common sense and pull the lever that pauses this food cost explosion, or is it simply intent on letting more Canadians go hungry to protect its radical ideology?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, we sit in the House day after day, and what is so shocking is that the Conservatives focus on imaginary taxes. The industrial carbon price is an important lever the industry is looking to for innovation as we move towards the economy of the future.

We are creating opportunities. We are creating opportunities for the future economy. That is what Canadians wanted. They wanted us to build Canada strong. What we have from the opposite side is obstruction, imaginary taxes and a fantasy land of their own.

Justice

[Chi Nguyen, Liberal, Spadina—Harbourfront, ON]

Mr. Speaker, gender-based violence remains a serious concern in communities across Canada, including in my community of Spadina—Harbourfront. Survivors have been clear about the need for a justice system that better understands the realities of coercive control, intimidation, harassment and repeat harms. The protecting victims act, Bill C-16, responds directly to these concerns.

Could the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime explain how Bill C-16, the protecting victims act, advances our efforts to address gender-based violence and better protect survivors within the criminal justice system?

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)]

Mr. Speaker, violence driven by control and fear leaves deep and lasting harm, and too many women and children are living with the consequences. That is why we have introduced one of the largest Criminal Code updates in generations to confront modern threats and to protect victims from domestic violence, keep our children safe, address Jordan court delays and strengthen victims' rights. We are also cracking down on coercive control before violence turns lethal; increasing protections against sexual exploitation, including AI deepfakes; and reinforcing mandatory jail time for child predators.

These reforms will allow our justice system to act faster and deliver stronger protections for Canadians.

[Alex Ruff, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister and cabinet are responsible for the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, in accordance with the NSICOP act, could the government House leader please provide the date the Prime Minister intends to initiate this long overdue review of the act? I would note that the law states the act and the review were to commence no later than October 6, 2022.

Finally, could the minister please inform the House as to which committee he envisions referring this overdue review to?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for that question and for his very constructive and productive involvement on that very important issue. We thank him for bringing this issue to the House's attention. We will consider the matter and report to the House at the appropriate time.

Indigenous Affairs

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am raising this issue again because in two months, core federal support for friendship centres will run out.

In Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, I saw how the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre delivers life-saving mental health, addictions and on-the-land programs. In my riding, the Port Alberni and Wachiay friendship centres are lifelines, providing food, housing, safety, culture and belonging. Indigenous populations are growing, friendship centres are beyond capacity, and budget 2025 offered nothing. This is not reconciliation. This is abandonment.

When will the government commit to renewing this funding with long-term, secure and stable support?

[Mandy Gull-Masty, Liberal, Minister of Indigenous Services]

Mr. Speaker, we have been continuously working with groups from friendship centres, meeting with them to address this very file. I invite my colleague to reach out to my office so we can continue looking at what the future will be for friendship centres.

I know and understand this issue personally. There are two friendship centres in my riding. I am somebody who went to a friendship centre as part of an after-school care program. I think it is essential that we acknowledge the hard work they do and continue supporting them.

Public Service of Canada

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the government is cutting thousands of public sector jobs, like those of the people who process EI, OAS and CPP claims and passports; agricultural researchers; and 1,300 food inspectors. These are not numbers on a CEO's spreadsheet. They are real people. They work to help Canadians. They support family farmers. They keep our food safe.

Instead of giving his friends a tax break on their yachts and their private jets, will the Prime Minister stop these reckless cuts before public health, public services and our food safety are put at risk?

[Shafqat Ali, Liberal, President of the Treasury Board]

Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking our public servants for their hard work and dedication. We deeply value the work of all public service employees. They are dedicated and hard-working public servants who play a critical role in delivering key results for Canadians.

As we move forward with a comprehensive expenditure review, we are committed to approaching this process compassionately by minimizing involuntary departures as much as possible.

National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand that there is an agreement to observe a moment of silence to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.

I now invite hon. members to rise in honour of the memory of the victims of the attack that happened nine years ago today, on January 29, 2017.

[A moment of silence observed]

Business of the House

[Rob Moore, Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, as it is Thursday, I would like to ask the government House leader if he can inform the House on the agenda we can expect in this place next week.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I want to wish my friends in the official opposition well as they make their way to Calgary for their convention, which is of course why the House will not sit tomorrow. The customary courtesy is afforded to the important work of all political parties, and we appreciate the involvement of all those who feel passionate about our country.

This afternoon, we will continue with second reading debate of Bill C-16, the protecting victims act.

Upon our return on Monday of next week, the business to be called will again be Bill C-16, followed by second reading of Bill C-19, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit act, which was introduced yesterday by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue.

I would also like to inform the House that Tuesday and Thursday of next week shall be allotted days.

On Wednesday, we will resume second reading of Bill C‑10, an act respecting the commissioner for modern treaty implementation.

Finally, next Friday is a day I know everyone is eagerly looking forward to, a day to be spent debating the Standing Orders and procedure pursuant to Standing Order 51.

Procedure and House Affairs

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

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 104 and 114, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, regarding the membership of committees of the House.

If the House gives its consent, I move that the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs be concurred in.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed.

The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

(Motion agreed to)

Natural Health Products

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Madam Speaker, I am presenting a petition today from Canadians across the country who are concerned about the natural health products regulations in Canada.

The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to ensure that regulations on natural health products and uninsured services be reversed back to the way they were in the past. People from across Canada have signed this petition, and they are calling on the government to reverse the decisions that have been made in previous parliaments.

Human Rights in India

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Madam Speaker, the second petition I present today is from Canadians across the country who are concerned about human rights protections in India.

The petitioners say Christians in India are being targeted by extremists vandalizing church buildings, attacking church workers and threatening and humiliating Christians across India. They are calling on the Government of Canada to also recognize the crimes against Indian Muslims and Dalit groups as well.

The petitioners are asking for the Government of Canada to ensure that any trade deal that is signed with India ensures that human rights are protected.

Justice

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition from 11,500 Canadians who are asking that the Liberal government no longer proceed with Bill C-9 but enforce existing laws to protect Canadians. Among other things, they say Bill C-9 lowers the legal standard for hatred with a vague definition, which is confusing and unmeasurable, threatening freedom of speech and expression; that it removes important safeguards, such as requiring Attorney General approval for hate speech charges; and finally, that it will undermine constitutional rights to freedoms of religion, conscience, thought, belief, opinion and expression, and the freedom of press and other mediums of communication.

Religious Freedom

[Michael Guglielmin, Conservative, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise today to bring forward this petition in support of a group of people who want to draw the attention of the House of Commons to some of their concerns surrounding the Bloc and Liberal amendments to Bill C-9. The petitioners are urging us to look at this and understand that it could be used to criminalize passages of the Bible, the Torah, the Quran and other sacred religious texts.

Freedom of expression and freedom of religion are fundamental rights in Canadian society. The petitioners are urging the government to protect freedom of expression and religious freedom in this country, and I stand with the petitioners in their request.

[Andrew Lawton, Conservative, Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am proud to present a petition on behalf of Canadians concerned over Bill C-9. Canadians believe that the state has no business involving itself in matters related to sacred texts or religious teachings and that freedom of expression and freedom of religion are fundamental rights that must be safeguarded.

Gaza

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to present petition e-6751, sponsored by John Mayba from Port Alberni and signed by over 1,500 Canadians who are deeply concerned about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Canada's obligations under international law. The petition highlights that under the Geneva Convention and Canada's own Official Development Assistance Accountability Act, Canada is required to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that aid is delivered in a neutral, impartial and independent manner.

The petitioners call on the House to clearly reject the current model of militarized aid delivery in Palestine and to demand the full restoration of access for UN agencies and established humanitarian organizations, including UNRWA and the World Food Program. They urge Canada to insist on safe and immediate entry for Canadian and international humanitarian and medical workers. They further ask that Canadian funding be withheld from any mechanism that does not respect humanitarian principles and that all Canadian aid to Gaza be delivered exclusively through internationally recognized humanitarian channels. Again, this petition reflects the voices of 1,500 Canadians who want our country to stand firmly for human life, international law and the protection of civilians.

Religious Freedom

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

Madam Speaker, I am honoured to present this petition from concerned Canadians who are worried about the Bloc and Liberal amendments to Bill C-9. They are urging the government to protect free speech, freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

Climate Change

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of many residents of Saanich—Gulf Islands and beyond Saanich—Gulf Islands. They are concerned that while the Government of Canada has recognized that we are in a climate crisis, and though Canadians continue to support and call for climate action, Canada is continuing to spend, the petitioners note, at least $4.8 billion a year in subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, including loans and tax credits. They note that the oil and gas industry continues to make record profits, while Canadians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.

Summarizing the rest of the concerns of the petition, petitioners ask that the Government of Canada end all such subsidies to fossil fuels; invest in clean and renewable energy and infrastructure, including an improved and modernized cross-province electricity grid, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples through UNDRIP; and impose a windfall tax on excess profits of the oil and gas industry.

Questions on the Order Paper

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

Madam Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand at this time, please.