The House resumed consideration of the motion.
House of Commons Hansard #153 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was culture.
House of Commons Hansard #153 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was culture.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Alleged Premature Disclosure of Information Concerning Bill C-39—Speaker's Ruling Members hear the Speaker rule that a media-only briefing on the Pacific Link pipeline policy does not constitute a prima facie breach of privilege, though members should receive timely information. 600 words.
Opposition Motion—Funding of the Cultural Sector Members debate the Bloc Québécois motion urging the government to uphold CRTC levies on streaming services and deliver a promised $600 million to the cultural sector. Bloc and NDP MPs argue the levies would make digital platforms contribute to supporting Quebec and Canadian culture, while Liberals say court challenges blocked payments and defend direct funding and a new policy approach. Conservatives question the cost and the government’s record of delivering its commitments. 43900 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Alleged Mis-characterization of Members' Remarks Members debate a privilege complaint over remarks describing opposition to Bill C-39 as a “wild disinformation campaign,” with the NDP arguing the comments impugn MPs’ integrity and the Liberals saying the complaint is untimely and based on conjecture. 900 words, 10 minutes in 2 segments: 1 2.
Canada Labour Code Second reading of Bill C-247. The bill would repeal section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, which allows the federal government to intervene in labour disputes and limit strikes. Supporters say this protects workers’ charter rights and bargaining power; the Liberal speaker argues that safeguards and mediation reforms are preferable to repealing the provision. 5200 words, 35 minutes.
The House resumed consideration of the motion.
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time.
This is a message for all those who pay taxes, for all my fellow citizens in the Gaspé Peninsula, the Magdalen Islands, and throughout Quebec who, every morning when they go to buy a cup of coffee, pay a small portion of the taxes, and who, every Thursday when they receive their paycheque, agree to pay income tax. Why do they agree to this? They do so because they know that in society, we must contribute to the common good. Together, we put money into a common pot. Then we use it for major social programs. They also agree to pay these taxes because they remember what Benjamin Franklin, one of the illustrious Founding Fathers of the United States, said in 1789: Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.
If Benjamin Franklin, the American, were with us today, he would be surprised, because he would see that there are people for whom taxes are not a certainty. They are not immortal, but they manage to avoid paying taxes. The tech giants, these large companies, seem to be able to slip through the cracks of the tax system and rake in truly massive profits without having to pay their fair share. This is a long-standing problem, and it affects our media and cultural industries.
A few years ago, the government decided to act by bringing in the digital services tax. It was not a bad idea. In fact, it was fairly modest. The tax was set at only 3%. Many pay considerably more than that. It applied only to large online streaming services making global profits of more than 750 million euros. That amounted to more than $20 million in revenues for Canada.
A 3% tax was a reasonable way to ensure that the web giants paid their fair share. As La Presse noted in a 2025 article, digital services companies such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft generally do not pay corporate income tax in foreign countries where they nevertheless generate substantial revenues from local consumers. This situation exists because they often have no physical presence in those jurisdictions. I suspect that Ben Franklin would have been angry about that. I believe that my constituents would be as well, because everyone who pays their taxes expects to see some fairness in the system. The digital services tax was intended to correct this to some extent. However, the current government decided to abolish it.
Then something else happened. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, recognized that Canadian cultural production faced a serious funding challenge and proposed increasing levies on major online platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. The underlying concept makes sense: Companies that generate profits in Canada, use content created by Canadians and earn revenue from Canadian audiences would finally pony up a bit of cash that could then be reinvested in the cultural sector. Once again, however, the government said no. These U.S. tech giants can opt out of an obligation that applies to everyone else. They do not have to contribute to the public purse.
This must be because they are having such a hard time. In the final quarter of 2025 alone, the tech giants netted $158 billion. That is $158 billion in a single quarter. Why, then, should we give these giant billion-dollar platforms a tax break? Why should tax fairness and justice be set aside for the benefit of the wealthiest and most powerful?
I feel that people may see me as a bit of an idealist; in our society, we know that the richest and most powerful come out on top all the time.
I do not agree with that. I spent 12 years as a journalist fighting injustices and 12 years as a lawyer fighting injustices. I want to do the same in politics. It is not fair that billionaire companies that use our cultural products are not paying their fair share of taxes. There is no good reason for that.
However, this government has come up with one for us: the cost of living. The Liberals are telling us that we cannot ask them to pay taxes because the cost of living is high these days. We would run the risk of seeing our subscriptions to Netflix and other companies go up.
If we follow that line of reasoning, why do grocery stores pay taxes? Why do consumers pay taxes at restaurants if that increases prices? The cost of living is already a major concern. Why, then, do grocery stores and restaurants pay taxes? Why are landlords taxed on their rental income when there is a housing crisis and housing costs are already too high? Why do sawmills pay taxes if that increases the price of lumber? Why do fishers in Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands pay taxes on their income if that drives up the cost of seafood? They help feed Canadians, yet prices continue to go up.
That argument simply does not hold water. Moreover, if the problem were only that the argument lacked merit, that would be one thing. The reality is that the claim is not even borne out by the evidence. Similar levies have already been implemented in Europe, and they have had no impact on subscription fees.
What is more, the government gave all of that up without even getting concessions from the web giants, without even saying that in exchange for not imposing levies, they would have to lower their prices. That is so ridiculous, it makes my head spin. Have we been lied to?
Basically, what we have all understood is that the government is kowtowing to the Americans. The Liberals decided that the American web giants were too powerful for them and they had to roll over and let them come here and make money without paying their fair share of taxes.
However, two days ago, in my riding of Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine, I found out that residents will have to pay for parking at the airport. Charging parking fees at the local airport is like putting a toll booth on the Jacques‑Cartier bridge. Planes are essential in the Magdalen Islands.
Now we are being told that everyone has to chip in and times are tough. As a result, poor taxpayers who are on welfare and need to take a plane from the Magdalen Islands to have an operation for cancer will have to pay for parking because they have to pull their weight, but not Amazon, Google, Microsoft or the other web giants. This clearly makes no sense.
Behind all of this lies something quite tragic: Regional media outlets and artists are struggling. These levies would have generated significant revenue. The government is giving Americans a free pass without getting anything in return, and it is taking significant resources away from the cultural industry. The digital services tax amounts to $1.4 billion a year that could have been used to support a sector that was struggling. With all the levies, if American platforms had to pay a share, which was lower than that of Canadian broadcasters, we would have collected $2 billion a year. We know that there are regional media outlets that are suffering and that there are artists who need support, but out of fear of Donald Trump, the government has given up on social justice. Out of fear of Donald Trump, it has given up on supporting the cultural industry.
What is the point of Canadian sovereignty?
Opposition Motion—Funding of the Cultural SectorBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In closing the last discussion on the business of supply debate, it was really hard to hear the hon. member. I know that when we begin Statements by Members, there is often too much noise to hear important statements, particularly of remembrance, such as the one we are about to hear.
Opposition Motion—Funding of the Cultural SectorBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I want to remind members that it is important to have a level of ambient noise that is very low, so that we can hear the statements, some of which are quite solemn.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour a remarkable woman, Irene Mathyssen.
Irene devoted her life to public service and to building a more just society. As a leader, teacher, community activist, cabinet minister, MPP for Middlesex and MP for London—Fanshawe, she championed equality, human rights, women's rights and a stronger social safety net for all.
Irene was known for her warmth, her humour, her kindness, her strength and her conviction. She treated everyone with respect and believed in leaving the world a better place.
I was fortunate to learn from Irene and work alongside her and her daughter, former MP Lindsay Mathyssen, who said that losing her mother has left an indescribable emptiness, but that her legacy, the values she instilled, the example she set and the love she gave so freely to those who knew her will continue to guide us.
Let us honour Irene by carrying her legacy forward.
Philip Earle Liberal Labrador, NL
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Labrador, I rise today to honour the life of the late Tony Powell of Charlottetown, Labrador, who is being laid to rest at this very hour.
Captain Powell was a gifted pilot, a devoted father, an accomplished author and a respected member of his community. Captain Powell was known for his exceptional aviation skills, his kindness toward others and his adventurous spirit.
As a skilled bush pilot, Tony spent years navigating Labrador's vast and rugged wilderness, flying hunters, anglers and adventurers from around the world into some of the region's most remote locations. Through his work, he not only shared his love of flying, but also introduced countless visitors to the beauty, hospitality and spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
On behalf of all Labradorians and everyone in the House, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find comfort in the memories they shared and in the lasting legacy Tony left behind. He will be remembered. He will be deeply missed.
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
Mr. Speaker, in Manitoba, law-abiding hunters are being denied access to public Crown lands by an illegal blockade near Bloodvein. Let us be clear that provincial crown lands are public lands. They are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. The wildlife on those lands is managed by a provincial department. The road where the illegal checkpoint is set up is a provincial road, and the RCMP in Manitoba operate under a provincial contract.
Instead of enforcing the law, according to media reports, a Manitoba NDP minister may have broken the law and tried to bribe a chief of a first nation. The federal Minister of Public Safety must tell Manitobans whether these troubling allegations against one of Premier Kinew's ministers are being investigated. Because the provincial NDP government has failed to resolve this situation, I am calling on the Minister of Northern Affairs, who is also the MP for this area, to intervene and have the roadblock removed.
Protecting hunting rights and respecting indigenous rights should not come at the expense of the rule of law.
Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON
Mr. Speaker, last week I was in Syria with a delegation to highlight the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, which provides medical and humanitarian relief to people affected by crises in Syria. It was the most eye-opening, heartwarming and gut-wrenching experience that I have felt in my life.
I witnessed first-hand the resilience and willpower of Syrian people in the face of monumental suffering. I saw the power of community. While Canada has always played a critical role in humanitarian aid, we are blessed to host over 100,000 Syrian people as a part of our Canadian community.
We now must channel our strength as Canadians toward supporting the building of health infrastructure in Syria, encouraging the international community to come together to scale projects like UOSSM's health clinic nationally in Syria and enhancing the mechanisms that NGOs use to deliver aid to the most vulnerable.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, for many Latino families, the heart of the home is around grandma's kitchen table. It is where generations gather, stories are told, recipes are passed down and our traditions live on. Our heritage is found in the warm embrace of our abuela, in the faith of our parents and in the love of family.
Like so many, my family left behind the people, places and language we loved for the extraordinary privilege of becoming Canadian and calling Canada our home. Whether our roots are Mexican, Colombian, or Ecuadorian like mine, we remember where we come from and are profoundly grateful for being Canadian.
However, gratitude carries a responsibility, we must fight to preserve the Canadian dream that hard work is rewarded, sacrifice means something and our children can build a better life than the one we had. That is the promise that brought us here, and it is a promise that we must pass on.
Feliz Mes de la Herencia latinoamericana.
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, Sherbrooke was immensely proud to host the 11th Canadian Transplant Games this summer. The event was an opportunity to celebrate life, the resilience and determination of the athletes, and the generosity of donors. It was also a chance to pay tribute not only to them, but also to their loved ones.
Our city also serves as an ambassador for this cause through its memorial garden, the only one of its kind in North America, which pays tribute to more than 6,200 organ and tissue donors. For nearly 40 years, the Canadian Organ and Tissue Donors Association has played a vital role in saving lives by coordinating the transportation of both organs and medical teams. This service is provided on a voluntary basis with the support of police forces across the country, including the RCMP.
I would also like to highlight Bill C-234, introduced by our colleague, the member for Edmonton Manning, which aims to recognize living donors.
Finally, I would like to express my immense gratitude to Richard Tremblay, a member of the Order of Canada and founder of the association, for his exceptional commitment and unwavering dedication to Sherbrooke.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to Dieter Dudy of Kamloops, who unexpectedly passed away in September.
Dieter was an extraordinary person who will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. His legacy centres around his dedication to family, community and public service. Dieter served as a two-term councillor in Kamloops. He was known for his work at Thistle Farm, an organic vegetable farm.
I will miss chatting with him at our local farmers' markets. He donated thousands of pounds of fresh produce to the Kamloops Food Bank to help the hungry. Dieter gave time to Tourism Kamloops, serving on its board; to the Rotary; and to Community Futures.
Dieter was predeceased by his wife Debbie. Mourning his loss are his partner Lynn Tendler, son Ryan Dudy, daughter Kaitlin Methot and her daughters, Sophia and Alyse. I offer the family my deepest condolences. May perpetual light shine upon Dieter.
Kent MacDonald Liberal Cardigan, PE
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give a shout-out to the bluefin tuna fishers who are enjoying another excellent fishing season in Prince Edward Island.
My riding is home to North Lake, or as we like to call it, the tuna capital of the world. The current world record tuna was caught in the North Atlantic in 1979 by Captain Ken Fraser in North Lake. The fish tipped the scales at an astounding 1,496 pounds.
At the start of October this year, Island fishers have landed over 850 giant bluefish. They account for nearly 90% of their quota fill. The quality of this tuna fuels our local economies with premium P.E.I. product that has been exported to high-value markets in Japan and around the world.
However, it does not stop there, our world-class charter industry drives vital tourism dollars into our coastal communities. Sports anglers come from all over the world to try their luck and skill at landing one of these giant bluefin. I invite all members to join me in wishing P.E.I. tuna fishers fair winds and good seas.
Colin Reynolds Conservative Elmwood—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, the high cost of living has forced more families to depend on food banks. According to Food Banks Canada, there's been a 9% increase in people turning to food banks in the past year, with a record of over two million visits in one month, because of food inflation and rising fuel.
In Manitoba alone, food bank usage has increased by 9.5% since 2025. With over 60,000 people relying on food banks each month, this number has more than doubled. In the past five years, more Canadians are facing food insecurity and struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing and groceries.
On this side of the House, we will continue to fight to save Canadians more money by cutting costs at the grocery store and at the pump. Canadians are working hard, but their paycheques cannot keep up with the rising cost of living. Canadians deserve food security. We warned the Liberals this would happen. Now Canadians are suffering under the high cost of living. It is time for change.
Mario Simard Bloc Jonquière, QC
Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of National Forest Week, I want to pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who work every day in our forestry sector. In our regions, the forest is more than just a resource: It is a vital pillar of our history, our economy and our connection to the land. This year, this recognition is all the more important as the industry is going through a particularly difficult period.
Amid uncertainty, production shutdowns and trade tensions with our neighbour to the south, forestry workers continue to show remarkable resilience. I want to tell them that their contribution is essential. It supports our communities, provides for our families, and contributes to Quebec's economy.
To all forestry workers, contractors, producers, and the communities that depend on the forest for their livelihoods, I say thank you for your hard work, your determination and your love for our region.
I wish everyone a good National Forest Week.
Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON
Mr. Speaker, every year the estimated cost of unmanaged symptoms of menopause in the Canadian economy is $3.5 billion. More than 10 million Canadian working women are directly impacted by this biological transition, and they often hide their symptoms due to fear. That is why every October we recognize World Menopause Month to break the stigma and support women.
Many organizations have done vital work, but more needs to be done so women are supported at work and through health care. As the largest women's Parliament in Canadian history, we can all acknowledge that menopause is a systemic health crisis. I encourage all parties in the House to commit to supporting the millions of women through their menopause journeys.
Dane Lloyd Conservative Parkland, AB
Mr. Speaker, on October 19, Albertans sent a strong message to Ottawa: We want a stronger Alberta within a united Canada. Conservatives for Canada knocked on tens of thousands of doors and reached over a million Albertans, and the message we heard from them was loud and clear. Albertans do not have a problem with Canada; they have a problem with Ottawa.
Albertans on both sides of this debate recognize that we need serious reform in Ottawa, reform that unleashes the potential of our natural resources sector, not 10 years from now, but today. We need reform that respects provincial jurisdiction, respects law-abiding firearms owners and respects Alberta's tremendous contribution to our Confederation.
This referendum was not an endorsement of the status quo. It cannot go back to business as usual in Ottawa. Albertans showed the country that we love Canada. It is time for Ottawa to show that it loves Alberta.
Jake Sawatzky Liberal New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn and honour the life of a community leader in New Westminster. Lorrie Williams was a city councillor in New Westminster from 2002 to 2018, serving the residents of New Westminster with great dedication.
Lorrie established the Canadian Harambee Education Society in 1985 to assist girls in Kenya and Tanzania to complete their post-secondary education. The CHES continues to fund projects improving the lives of girls by increasing access to education, improving the infrastructure of schools, building dormitories and laboratories, and improving water and solar power supplies. In 2004, Lorrie was awarded with a Meritorious Service Medal for her work with the CHES and was also named the Humanist of the Year in 2011 for her compassion and care for all internationally.
I would like to honour Lorrie's dedication to her community and for all of us to celebrate her tremendous life and the contributions she made to the lives she touched in New Westminster and around the world.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Ponoka—Didsbury, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to remember a dear friend and long-time member of my team, Scott Edward Gorry, who sadly passed away earlier this summer at the age of 48. For a decade, I had the privilege of working alongside Scott, a man whose passion for politics was matched only by his passion and conviction for public service.
Scott was a loyal friend who I trusted completely. He had a sense of humour and a positive attitude that made his presence known in every room he went into, but above all, Scott was a man devoted to his family. To his wife, Mylene, he was a loving husband and best friend. To his children, Caleb and Olivia, he was their protector, biggest supporter and greatest source of love. To his parents, Debbie and Frank, his sister Crystal, his extended family friends, and everyone who worked with him on the hill here over the years, his memory will be fondly cherished by the love, happiness and joy he gave to everyone so freely.
Scott will be remembered, and he will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my full support to the mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, who is currently recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour. For several years now, Mr. Boyer has dedicated himself to serving the Laval community. Public life demands a deep commitment and many sacrifices, both for elected officials and for their loved ones.
Today, I want to express my solidarity with Mr. Boyer, his family and his loved ones in the face of an ordeal that requires a great deal of courage and resilience. Having witnessed my own mother's battle with this disease, I am deeply moved by those who are going through it, and my heart goes out to him during this difficult time. I offer him my full support and wish him strength and courage so he can one day return to his duties.
On behalf of the community of Alfred-Pellan, I wish the mayor a speedy recovery.
Kurt Holman Conservative London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Irene Mathyssen, who served the people of London—Fanshawe in the House for 13 years. Irene dedicated much of her life to our community as a teacher, a provincial representative and a member of Parliament.
In the House, she spoke with conviction and brought determination to her work. She was an advocate for human rights and a strong voice for veterans, devoting considerable time and effort to both. Her career in public service spanned decades, so I want to take this moment in the chamber to remember her contribution, acknowledge the commitment that sustained those years of public service, and express our immense gratitude.
To her husband Keith; her daughter Lindsay, who also served in the House; and to her family, friends and former colleagues, I offer my sincere condolences. On behalf of the people of London—Fanshawe, we honour Irene's memory and join all the people mourning the loss of someone who gave so much of her life to our community.
Viviane LaPointe Liberal Sudbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, this month, Sudbury's Homelessness Network marked its 20th anniversary of providing support services to people experiencing homelessness. The network is a partnership of five organizations: Centre de santé communautaire, the John Howard Society, the Elizabeth Fry Society, the N’Swakamok Friendship Centre and Association des jeunes de la rue. Each partner brings its own expertise, relationships and knowledge of the community. Together, they have built a coordinated response that is stronger than any one organization can provide on its own.
As Denis Constantineau, executive director of the Community Health Centre, said, homelessness describes a person's housing situation. It does not define the person.
I thank all the partners, outreach workers, case managers, housing workers and support staff for their work, their compassion and their persistence over the past 20 years.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Battle River—Crowfoot Alberta
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has lost control of immigration. It turns out that he cannot even count the number of people who are here. In June, he said our population had declined, but Statistics Canada revealed that there are already 300,000 more people here than the Prime Minister claimed.
How can the Prime Minister tell foreign media that we need more immigration when he cannot even count the number of people who are already here?
Jill McKnight LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, we have been working on immigration since we formed government. The work is continuing, and we will have more to share soon.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is out of the country again. He is signing big, meaningless declarations—