House of Commons Hansard #154 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was space.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Canadian Space Launch Act Second reading of Bill C-28. The bill establishes a framework for space launches and re-entry in Canada, aiming to support domestic launch capacity, sovereignty, safety and investment. Liberals argue it is needed for Canada to compete and secure access to satellite data; Conservatives support the goal but question ministerial discretion, national security safeguards and the transparency and value of a proposed $200-million Nova Scotia site agreement. 8600 words, 1 hour.
Weights and Measures Act Second reading of Bill S-3. The bill modernizes Canada’s weights-and-measures and electricity and gas inspection laws to accommodate digital tools, new technologies and more flexible, risk-based oversight. Supporters say it can improve efficiency, innovation and consumer protection while easing burdens on some businesses. MPs call for committee scrutiny of expanded ministerial and inspector powers, safeguards, costs and effects on provincial jurisdiction. 9300 words, 1 hour.
National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting Act Third reading of Bill C-241. The bill proposes a national strategy to assess and improve coordination, technology and modelling for flood and drought forecasting. Supporters say it can help communities prepare; critics argue existing agencies can do the work if properly funded and warn against adding bureaucracy or encroaching on provincial responsibilities. 4400 words, 25 minutes.
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Madam Speaker, in her last answer, my colleague said that it was to be expected that costs would increase once operations got under way. Fair enough. However, there is still a world of difference between $13,000 and the $20-million figure my colleague mentioned earlier. To me, those numbers are worlds apart.
Could the government not be a little more disciplined? I would be interested in hearing my colleague's thoughts on that.
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Madam Speaker, I do not have the details in hand. I would say that, in many cases, these are investments in a site's potential. Anyone involved in development understands this. Although it is costly, the Conference Board of Canada, now known as Signal49, believes that the Nova Scotia spaceport could create 16,000 jobs and contribute $300 million to the gross domestic product. That is just the minimum. The potential of this investment is enormous.
Dane Lloyd Conservative Parkland, AB
Madam Speaker, before the government announced this sweetheart deal with Maritime Launch Services, the stock for this company was trading at around four cents a share. Following this government announcement, it went up to 60¢, and today it is at about 46¢. What that tells me is that this was an extremely risky proposition the company was putting forward, and the market did not ascribe a lot of value to it.
How can the government be so confident that it knows better than the free market how to allocate scarce financial resources, when a company that is essentially a penny stock is getting hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer funding? The current government does not have a good record of investing money in the private sector. How can the member be confident this penny stock is going to get a return for Canadian taxpayers?
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Madam Speaker, the question is a good one and worthy of scrutiny, but I will say again that anyone involved in land speculation can have land that is basically worthless for generations, but when the zoning and the permissions change on that property, the value goes up exponentially. This is basic. This is what is happening. Because of the economic potential of this location at this time, there is increased value in the economic potential and benefits.
Marilyn Gladu Liberal Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON
Madam Speaker, with respect to the $200-million contract that is being spoken about, I asked questions about this as well because I was concerned. I found out it is not just for the lease, but it is also for the construction of several launching pads at that site. The reality is that there are only two locations in Canada, one in Newfoundland and this one in Nova Scotia, that are able to launch these kinds of satellites.
Can the member reinforce why it is so important for Canada to have sovereignty in this area?
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Madam Speaker, there are only so many places in the world where we can launch satellites that provide us with really important data that we use every single day. When we have to compete or go to another country and get in line to launch our satellites, that is a problem. The member opposite was speaking earlier about jobs that are fleeing to those places where they can launch satellites, because a whole economic ecosystem develops around those spaces. This is important to provide a framework for our sovereignty, in terms of our launch capability and our sovereignty over data, and also our economic sovereignty of investing in ourselves to create our own, more robust space ecosystem.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Madam Speaker, there seems to be a bit of a trend when the official opposition does exactly what oppositions are supposed to do: ask questions that bring accountability to bear on the government with respect to things such as the sovereign launch capabilities for our country. I have not heard anyone in the opposition say it is not important for Canada to have sovereign launch capability. I think it is tremendously important. I think there are security imperatives. I think there are economic imperatives.
However, would the member agree that it is also appropriate and important to ask questions to make sure it is done in the right way, so the public can have confidence in the deals that are being done and so that when we move forward, they understand that it was fair and transparent, that there was no preferential treatment given, and that this really was all about creating sovereign launch capabilities and the benefits that come with it?
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Madam Speaker, I completely respect the opposition's role in challenging decisions and in making legislation better. I am going to point out another trend, though. It's the trend of saying that we know we need this, but let us really slow it down, as with Bill C-16. It is great legislation, but to them it does not go far enough, so they are going to vote against security for women.
I see the irony when the Leader of the Opposition says to call him when there is pipe in the ground. Before there is even a path on a pipeline, they want to hurry up on the pipeline, yet now we need a lot more frameworks and a lot more conversation.
What I am saying is that there is room for conversation. This is a framework. It will invite conversation, amendment and agreement. We already have agreement in Nova Scotia with the premier, indigenous communities and the municipality.
There are a lot of trends here, but let us try to be consistent.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the responses my colleague has been providing.
One of the important aspects to recognize is that the province not only supports it but is also investing in it. That speaks volumes in terms of how federal collaboration is ensuring that we have space sovereignty. It does not matter the region of the country. In Winnipeg, we have Magellan, which manufactures satellites. This provides us with even more independence in building an industry that is so vitally important to Canada's sovereignty.
I would like the member to give her thoughts on both or either of those comments.
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Madam Speaker, the question of our sovereignty, namely economic sovereignty, geographic sovereignty and data sovereignty, has never been more pressing. We have an opportunity here to harness our own talent and our own geography.
Part of the conversation here is about this location, its relationship to the Arctic and its orbital advantages, things that much smarter people than me know a lot more about. These three priorities are incredibly important at this moment in time. We have an opportunity to serve our own space industry and to invite other countries to launch here, because we are a trusted partner, we are stable and we have the geography. It is the time to invest in ourselves.
Dean Allison Conservative Niagara West, ON
Madam Speaker, before I make my comments, as some of the other speakers have done, I want to offer my condolences to and prayers for the people at CFB Wainwright. What happened on the base last weekend is so tragic. While many suffered, I do not think people always appreciate, as in this House, the families behind the injured individuals and those who lost their lives. I also want to say a prayer for the families that have to deal with the uncertainty of those who are still sick and of whether and how those people are going to recover.
The same thing happens here. We are here all week. We are doing our thing and we are off to events, but there are always family members back home who are the ones holding down the fort for us. I think it is appropriate that every chance we get to stand up in the House, we thank our spouses and families for the ultimate sacrifice they make.
As we talk about this bill, and I know it has been mentioned in a couple of comments, it is not that we are saying we should not be dealing with space and an opportunity for people to create a great industry. Our problem comes from the fact that the government does not have a great track record on transparency. Part of the challenge we have right now is what we find when we start looking at what is going on and things that have come before. The government will announce a bill, and parts of the bill will be excellent and we will be supportive of it, and then what ends up happening is that this small piece called “transparency” seems to be an issue.
I could rhyme off 100 instances of things right now. We could talk about the green slush fund that happened last year, or others from recent times. They were programs that seemed to make sense. Of course, we are transitioning and trying to figure out some of these things, so maybe we should be spending money on them. However, the problem that happens as we are dealing with them is that there is a huge disconnect when it comes to accountability, how we are we going to follow up and how we are going to make sure that these things are follow through on.
Our challenge is not that we should not be looking at doing more in space. I think all my colleagues around the House would agree that that seems reasonable. Our challenge is always that what we see happening more and more with the Liberal government is that Liberal ministers and those who have the ability to write cheques are the ones making sure that insiders profit, with little transparency. That is our challenge as we look at these things and as the Liberals announce program after program. We can go back to the WE sponsorship scandal. There are so many things that have happened over the years that I think most Canadians should be concerned about when we start talking about legislation.
Maritime Launch Services in Nova Scotia has been mentioned by my colleagues before. The question is, with all the Crown land available and everything that is made possible, how did it happen to be that particular piece? Why was that piece picked and not anything else? That is what we are talking about here. As we look at the process of what happens in this House, the challenge is not that the idea is a good idea or a bad idea. The challenge is how we are going to be accountable and transparent. The government has not been very transparent in recent years.
As we look at these things, we are looking at how we deal with them. We see more and more power. We see more and more Liberal insiders seemingly doing better as a result of that while Canadians are struggling. We see that food bank use is at an all-time high in this country. We see that and think to ourselves, “How do we have money for all these things?” I am not talking about this one thing in particular, but we are writing all kinds of cheques all around the world. We spend money on foreign aid. Not all foreign aid is bad; we are not saying that is the case, but the challenge is that we have struggles here at home that we need to deal with. We have struggles here at home that need our attention.
When we look at bills like this one, our challenge is not that we should not be looking at space travel in Canada. It is about who should be dealing with it. How should it be brought forward? Parliamentarians should also have opportunities to look at these things.
Canada has a proud history of exploring space; there is no question about that. We have launched satellites, like the Alouette I, which was launched under the Diefenbaker Conservative government, making Canada the third country to design and build satellites. As mentioned in the House already, we have had astronauts like Chris Hadfield, Roberta Bondar and Jeremy Hansen. We have also had technology like the Canadarm. We have definitely had a proud history in this country of being able to deal with and work in space.
When we look at these things, we have to keep going back to how we are going to make the government accountable. How are Canadians going to make sure that we have an opportunity to see what has gone on and see what has happened? We realize there is a real market for space launches; there is no question about that, but when decisions are made behind closed doors, that is the challenge we have.
We can look at other programs. We can look at some of the things that have gone on so far in terms of censorship. There have probably been at least a dozen bills since COVID through which the government has tried to introduce some form of censorship in what it is doing, whether it is looking at metadata or setting up different types of things to keep an eye out and do more around that.
We will look at the challenges as we continue to question legislation. That is our job as opposition: to question legislation. We should not be challenged, we should not be chastised and we should not be given a hard time for wanting accountability.
As we move forward on this, one thing we need to constantly remind people of is that we are definitely in favour of enhancing our sovereignty and space capabilities, but we are certainly not supportive, and never will be supportive, of laws that could potentially give Liberal insiders and foreign agents blank cheques.
I would just like to remind people that we were all sent here for a reason, and that is to do the best job we can when it comes to legislation in this House. As the opposition, we are required to ask questions. We are required to scrutinize bills. We should never have to worry about being challenged because we are asking too many questions or are not asking the right questions.
I said at the start of my speech that the Liberal government does not have a great track record when it comes to transparency, so we are going to continue asking questions on this side of the House. We are going to keep challenging legislation. As I said, it is our duty as opposition to make sure that we are able to do that.
In closing, once again, as we look at other legislation that is going to come forward over time, we are not going to slow down. We are not going to stop challenging. We are not going to stop asking questions. We are going to continue to do our job, which is our due diligence. We were sent here by Canadians to ask questions and to challenge the status quo. As long as we are here in opposition, we will continue to do just that.
I want to thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me time here. I see my time is almost up, so I will just finish with that. I appreciate the opportunity to speak once again in the House.
Yasir Naqvi Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON
Madam Speaker, on October 24, we mark World Polio Day to recognize the remarkable progress made against a disease that once threatened children around the world.
Thanks to decades of hard work, polio cases have dropped more than 99.9%. Canada has been a proud leader in this effort, working alongside international organizations and civil society partners to expand immunization and strengthen public health systems. However, the fight is not over. Polio remains endemic in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As we mark World Polio Day, let us recommit to finishing the job and achieving a polio-free world for future generations.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Clarke, ON
Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, Via Rail announced that it is cancelling train route 641. Since the announcement, I have received countless emails, phone calls and messages. I have heard from students who cannot get to class, from patients who cannot get to their doctor's appointments and from folks with jobs in Toronto who bought homes in our beautiful community with the hope of travelling to work on a commuter train. For some, this might just be another train route cancelled, but for my neighbours and friends it is an incredible disruption.
The Liberals are ready to spend billions on a high-speed dream while at the same time cutting needed services to my community. I am calling on the minister to issue a directive to Via to reinstate a commuter train option for our community. It makes no sense to talk about high-speed dreams while at the same time cancelling trains my residents depend on. I urge the minister and Via Rail to listen to the voices of our constituents and act now to restore this critical service.
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Madam Speaker, I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Kent Stobart from CancerCare Manitoba. He and his staff members truly care about what is happening in Canada, and particularly in Manitoba, with respect to how we treat cancer. It is so critically important that as a nation, we invest in research for cancer. It could help save lives and make lives that much better.
One example that was demonstrated to me was taking a cell out, injecting it with something that combats cancer directly and reinserting the cell to fight the cancer directly, as opposed to having chemotherapy. The point is, research gives us results.
Canada made a commitment of $5 billion over three years. This is the type of thing we can use to build the capital infrastructure to ensure we get more research on things like cancer and the cure for cancer, which are vital to Canadians.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC
Madam Speaker, after 11 years of Liberal taxes and inflationary spending, Canadians are facing ever-higher costs for food, housing and transportation while their wages are not keeping up.
Food banks recorded an all-time high of 2.35 million visits in March, including nearly 776,000 visits by children. Inflation hit 3.1% in September, and gas prices jumped 27.8% in one year.
When fuel costs go up, it is farmers, truckers and families who pay the price. Meanwhile, the federal debt continues to weigh heavily on future generations, and interest payments are swallowing up billions of dollars that could be serving Canadians.
Conservatives want to put money back into families' pockets, extend the federal fuel excise tax holiday, eliminate the GST on gas and diesel, scrap the industrial carbon tax and scrap the costly clean fuel regulations.
Canadians work hard. Canadians deserve better. They deserve a future Conservative government.
Ginette Lavack Liberal St. Boniface—St. Vital, MB
Madam Speaker, earlier this week, I was honoured to join Dr. Sandra DeLaronde at Rideau Hall as she received the 2025 Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case.
It was a very proud moment. For decades, Sandra has championed the rights and dignity of indigenous women and girls, survivors and families.
Through her leadership with the Giganawenimaanaanig, her teaching and her advocacy, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that voices too often silenced are heard and respected, because being heard matters, being respected matters and having a voice in decisions that shape one's life matters.
Sandra's courage, compassion and determination are making a difference.
I thank her for reminding us that true change begins with listening, but takes shape through action.
I congratulate Sandra on this remarkable achievement.
Helena Konanz Conservative Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC
Madam Speaker, British Columbia has everything we need for a strong, prosperous forestry sector for decades to come. There are 200,000 Canadian loggers, mill workers and forest product-makers who feed their families thanks to our forestry sector, including thousands in southern British Columbia. However, a decade of Liberal mismanagement has seen B.C. lose more than half of its pulp and paper mills. Ottawa has become numb to our mill closures. When a mill dies, it puts a whole town at risk.
My message to the Liberals is simple: focus on what Canada can control, prioritize lumber in all trade talks, invest in biofuel to keep pulp mills alive, and treat this sector as the critical part of our economy that it is.
Mike Kelloway Liberal Sydney—Glace Bay, NS
Madam Speaker, last week for nine days, Cape Breton Island was alive with the sounds of fiddles, step-dancing, singing and celebration. This year marks the 30th edition of the Celtic Colours International Festival. It is a remarkable celebration of the music, culture and traditions that make Cape Breton so special.
Across our island, communities have opened their doors and welcomed musicians and visitors from near and far. What makes Celtic Colours truly a special event are the people behind it: the volunteers, performers, organizers, local businesses and families who share our island's hospitality with the world. For 30 editions, this festival has helped preserve our traditions while introducing them to new generations.
We thank everyone who contributed to this year's festival for sharing the spirit of Cape Breton Island with Canada and the world. I congratulate them on 30 wonderful years.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Canada's women's rugby team on their historic victory over England.
Last week's win was more than just a victory on the scoreboard. It was a statement about how far women's rugby has come in Canada and a glimpse of an incredibly bright future for the sport. Rugby Canada is showing young Canadians what can be achieved through hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. It is inspiring girls and boys to get involved, stay active and dream big.
Now, as the Rugby Rematch Tour moves to our nation's capital, this great rivalry continues. I encourage Canadians to fill the stands at TD Place tonight and give team Canada the home field advantage they deserve. Let us stand behind our athletes and cheer them on for another great result.
Go, Canada, go!
Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC
Madam Speaker, for the first time since the British Conquest of 1760, elected members of the Quebec National Assembly, descendants of the settlers of New France, of the Patriots of 1837-38, of the one-time French-Canadian Métis, the blended offspring of first nations and people from around the world, the elected officials who now represent the people of Quebec in 2026, have sworn an oath not to the British Crown, but to the people of Quebec.
In this historic moment, 265 years after the battle of the Plains of Abraham and the humiliations of the oath of allegiance, a proud people can finally forgo the terrible charade foisted on countless generations.
This moment of decolonization represents only the first step toward our nation's full and complete freedom. The true power to determine our future belongs not to a foreign monarch or another nation. It belongs to us, to Quebeckers.
Maggie Chi Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, which falls on the last Sunday of September.
Over 900 brave officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their communities. We honour their sacrifice and their families by building a safer Canada. With deep sadness, I advise the House that five police officers and three peace officers have died in the line of duty to date in 2026. I extend my deepest condolences to their families and to all members of the policing and peace officer communities. Their deaths are a sobering reminder of the risks that accompany their service, yet every day, brave officers stand ready to run into danger to keep us safe.
This summer I had the pleasure of partnering with the fine officers of Toronto Police Service 33 Division in my riding of Don Valley North. I commend their professionalism and their always showing up for our community. We owe police and peace officers an enduring debt of gratitude, and I thank them for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
Madam Speaker, Canadians are working hard. They are doing everything right, and still they are struggling to make ends meet. Families are stretched thin, seniors are struggling to afford heat, and parents are helping their adult children to pay rent.
Meanwhile, the federal government is piling on debt, driving up inflation and leaving Canadians with the consequences. Canada's fiscal watchdog just downgraded Canada's economic outlook and warned that the Liberal government is failing to meet its own fiscal target. Federal debt is projected to keep rising, with the interest costs alone expected to reach $83 billion annually within the next few years. That is $83 billion just in interest payments. That means less money for health care, less money for seniors and less money for veterans, all because the government cannot control its spending.
In Lethbridge, people and businesses alike are already feeling the strain. Canadians deserve responsible fiscal management, real relief from the cost of living, and an economy that creates good jobs and gives families the chance to get ahead. When will the Liberal government take responsibility for its actions, reverse the—
The EconomyStatements by Members
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes
The hon. member for Fredericton—Oromocto.
David Myles Liberal Fredericton—Oromocto, NB
Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to recognize something very special that took place a couple of weeks ago. Canadian poet Anne Carson won the Nobel Prize in Literature. This is the world's most prestigious literary award.
Born in Toronto, Anne Carson, distinguished intellectual and educator, explores these life-channelling moments.
She uses her words to reflect on love and grief, and finds meaning in the mundane.
I love poetry. Poets capture the deepest aspects of human experience. They help shape our understanding of the world and cast light on the most profound emotions shared by us all.
Anne Carson's work has helped us define the undefinable and has brought meaning to the often overlooked. She is a Canadian treasure.
Please join me in congratulating Anne Carson on this incredible achievement.
Congratulations!
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB
Madam Speaker, on October 3, Margaret Harper passed away peacefully at her home at age 93. She was the loving mother to her sons Stephen, Grant and Robert, grandmother to Ben, Katie, Rachel and Elizabeth, and great-grandmother to James. She was an extraordinarily active woman who shovelled her own snow and cut her own lawn and was a well-known presence in northwest Calgary, often seen cycling or on long walks throughout the community, including on the day before her passing.
I first met Margaret when she walked into my campaign office and volunteered to door-knock. We knocked on hundreds of doors together in 2015, 2019 and 2021. She would sling a bundle of lawn signs over her shoulder and set off at an impressive pace. She was a woman of character, principle and faith who dedicated her life to her family.
The Harpers have my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.