House of Commons Hansard #156 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was young.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Opposition Motion—Appearance of the Prime Minister before the Standing Committee on Finance Members debate a Conservative motion asking the Prime Minister to testify before the Finance Committee about deficits, debt interest and taxes. Conservatives cite rising borrowing costs and affordability pressures; Liberals defend strategic investment, affordability programs and Canada’s relative fiscal position. The Bloc supports inviting the Prime Minister, while questioning the government’s fiscal accounting and priorities. The motion calls for testimony on public finances. 49100 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Relieving Grieving Parents of an Administrative Burden Act (Evan's Law) Report stage of Bill C-222. The bill amends EI and the Canada Labour Code so parents who lose a child can continue parental benefits and retain job-protected leave, including additional bereavement support, without repeated reporting or a new claim. Speakers from multiple parties support the measure and call for further consideration of protections when a parent dies. 5200 words, 30 minutes.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Members debate a committee report on youth unemployment, with Conservatives urging tax and red-tape cuts, targeted training, housing near jobs and immigration aligned with labour needs. Liberals cite summer jobs and skilled-trades initiatives, while the Bloc emphasizes Quebec’s jurisdiction over training and employment and calls for tailored solutions and EI reform. 20300 words, 2 hours.
Bill C-41 Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards ActRoutine Proceedings
Central Nova Nova Scotia
Liberal
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) and to make related amendments to other Acts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Jean-Yves Duclos Liberal Québec Centre, QC
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security regarding Bill C‑236, an act to amend the Criminal Code, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and the Prisons and Reformatories Act.
Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, the committee requests a 30-day extension to consider the bill.
Public Safety and National SecurityCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1(3)(a), a motion to concur in the report is deemed moved, the question deemed put and a recorded division deemed demanded and deferred until Wednesday, October 28, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.
Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, entitled “Monitoring of the Rehabilitation Services Contract Awarded to PCVRS by Veterans Affairs Canada”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise to table a petition signed by coastal British Columbians. They highlight that fish in Canadian waters are a public resource and should provide lasting economic, social and cultural benefits for Canadians, first nations and coastal communities; that the current Pacific licensing and quota system has weakened British Columbia's independent fishing fleet, reduced employment security and created barriers for new entrants in intergenerational succession; and that rising licence and quota prices, excessive lease costs, corporate concentration and speculative investment have made it increasingly difficult for active harvesters to earn a sustainable livelihood, with some paying lease fees of up to 80% of the value of their catch.
They highlight that Canada does not maintain a public registry identifying the beneficial ownership of commercial fishing licenses and quota, and places no restrictions on future foreign beneficial ownership in the Pacific region. They also highlight that FOPO recommended reforms to improve the sharing of risks and benefits in Pacific fisheries.
The petitioners call on the government to, first, implement a made-in-British Columbia owner-operator and fleet separation framework where appropriate; second, establish a public registry disclosing the beneficial ownership of commercial fishing licenses and quota; third, prohibit future foreign ownership and foreign beneficial ownership of commercial fishing licenses and quota in the Pacific region; fourth, limit excessive corporate concentration, support fair transition measures and improve access to capital for independent fish harvesters, first nations and new entrants; and, last, implement long-overdue licensing reforms that strengthen independent fish harvesters, coastal communities and the long-term sustainability of Pacific fisheries.
Warren Steinley Conservative Regina—Lewvan, SK
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise to table a petition from almost 3,000 people from across Canada and Saskatchewan with regard to endometriosis. This petition came about because of a meeting with a constituent named Tina and her health care providers in my office.
Almost two million Canadians are affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis has a significantly negative impact on the well-being and health of Canadians suffering from the condition. There are severe existing gaps in diagnosing and treating endometriosis, including long wait times to see health care providers, the need for increased awareness of the condition and the slow progress of endometriosis research in Canada.
The petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to adopt the following recommendations from the Standing Committee on Health's report entitled “Women's Health in Canada”. First, it should increase funding for research that supports innovation and discovery with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Second, it should develop a national action plan on endometriosis in collaboration with related governing and administrative bodies, as well as people living with endometriosis, clinicians and researchers, to address gaps and barriers that hinder awareness, diagnosis and treatment.
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Unless we want to change the Standing Orders to enable members to read petitions, I suggest that we enforce the rule that says members cannot read a petition. If you review the petitions from today so far or yesterday's petitions, you will see that more and more members are reading petitions.
EndometriosisPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I will keep an eye out for that.
Presenting petitions, the hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise on behalf of the people of Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.
I have a petition for all of British Columbia, but with a focus on Merritt, in my riding, which is part of the West Coast Corridor Resiliency Partnership. We had floods in Merritt in 2021. The government promised that it would have British Columbians' backs in Merritt, and it has contributed next to nothing despite those promises.
I stand with the good people of Merritt, who want the infrastructure that is required for flood mitigation.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise to present two petitions this morning.
The first petition is about the memorial grant for first responders. The petitioners note that first responders put their lives on the line to protect Canadians and that their families may face significant financial hardship when tragedy strikes. They call upon the Government of Canada to increase the memorial grant to reflect inflation and ensure that it is indexed annually. They believe that the families of first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice deserve the support that reflects the rising cost of living.
First RespondersPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Sometimes it is hard to understand if a person is reading the petition or reading a summary of the petition.
There is still quite a bit of time left for the segment.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, for first responders, we can and must do better.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, the second petition concerns the temporary special measures introduced for Turkish and Syrian nationals following the major earthquake of February 2023. The petitioners note that many families that benefited from these measures have permits that have expired or will expire by the end of 2026. Many of them established themselves in Canada, contributing to our economy and raising children who now attend Canadian schools.
The petitioners—
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
An hon. member
We have readers.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
When it comes to petitions, there is always a bit of an introduction and then a summary that sometimes sounds like the petition. It is difficult sometimes to gauge, but as long as it is of reasonable length and is not clearly being read, then it is acceptable.
The hon. member can continue.
Wade Chang Liberal Burnaby Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, the petitioners are asking the Government of Canada to extend temporary resident status by 36 months and to provide work permits, where applicable. They also want applicants to be allowed to work in Canada while waiting for a decision and want to ensure that the best interests of affected children are taken into consideration.
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of Richmond Hill South. It is a real honour to present this petition.
The petitioners are concerned that the Prime Minister has welcomed the European Commission president's proposal for Canada to join the EU as an associate member. The petitioners are concerned that Canadians have endured years of Liberal immigration mismanagement and do not want EU-style, open-border policies imposed on Canada or Canadian taxpayer dollars to be used to directly or indirectly fund EU programs. They believe that Canadian laws, borders and taxes must be controlled by Canadians, not EU politicians and bureaucrats, and that Canada is a sovereign nation and will never be the EU's 28th member state.
Therefore, the petitioners are calling upon the Government of Canada to, number one, immediately disclose all discussions and proposals concerning Canada's potential associate membership to the EU; number two, reject any agreement that would surrender Canadian sovereignty or impose EU immigration policies, laws, taxes or regulations on Canadians; and, number three, guarantee that Canada will not become a member of the EU.
Will Greaves Liberal Victoria, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to present a petition on behalf of my constituents and those living in the riding of my hon. colleague, the member for Vancouver Quadra.
This petition is signed by a group of scientists and academic experts on the west coast who are concerned about legislative proposals put forward by the government. They encourage the government, in particular, to ensure the highest standards of environmental assessment and review for all legislation, including Bill C-39. The petitioners call for the highest standards of governance to be ensured so that protections and safeguards for Canada's democratic processes and decision-making will be preserved in the future. The petitioners, as experts on the natural environment and our economy, also call on the government to reject any false distinction between supporting the economy and the environment, because both can be done at once.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings
Opposition Motion—Appearance of the Prime Minister before the Standing Committee on FinanceBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska—des-Sources, QC
moved:
That, given that, (i) the cost of government is driving up the cost of living, (ii) the Parliamentary Budget Officer reports that this government's fastest-growing cost is interest on the national debt which has more than doubled since 2021, (iii) this Liberal government now spends more on debt interest than the Canada Health Transfer, (iv) an average family of four will pay nearly $6,000 in federal taxes toward interest on the national debt this year, based on numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, (v) the Prime Minister promised that he would reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio and deficit-to-GDP ratio, the House call on the Prime Minister to appear as a witness before the Standing Committee on Finance to testify on saving Canadians money by cutting deficit spending, debt interest and taxes.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by saying that I will be sharing my time with my colleague from Wellington—Halton Hills North.
I rise today to speak to my opposition day motion. The motion calls on the Prime Minister to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance to explain how his government plans to cut deficit spending, debt interest and the tax burden on Canadians. Behind the billions of dollars we discuss here in Ottawa lies a reality we must never lose sight of: that of hard-working families, retirees counting every dollar, entrepreneurs trying to keep their businesses afloat and young people dreaming of owning a home.
In my riding of Richmond—Arthabaska—des‑Sources, I meet people who get up early, work long hours and do everything they can to provide a good life for their families. These are farmers, manufacturing workers, business owners, young families and seniors who have contributed to our society throughout their lives. These people are not asking for the moon. They want to be able to cover the cost of groceries, the mortgage, home heating and other bills without constantly worrying about their finances. Above all, they want to know that the tax dollars they hand over to the federal government are being used responsibly.
Public finances are not merely a matter of figures. They have a very real impact on the lives of Canadians. On October 20, the Parliamentary Budget Officer published her latest economic and fiscal outlook, and those figures should give us all pause for thought. According to this report, Canada's real economic growth is expected to reach just 0.9% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. These are modest growth rates for a country blessed with such abundant natural resources, such talented people and such significant economic potential. For Conservatives and for me, that is simply not good enough. Surely, we can be more ambitious.
Meanwhile, federal deficits are projected to total more than $333 billion over the next five years. That is not all. According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the federal deficit is expected to reach $63 billion this year, before rising to $70 billion in 2027-28. Even in 2030-31, the government is projected to run a deficit of nearly $68 billion. In other words, these forecasts do not point to a return to a balanced budget at any point during the period under review.
I want to call attention to another very alarming item in the report. Public debt charges now make up the fastest-growing category of federal expenditures. In 2021‑22, they amounted to $24.5 billion. This year, they are expected to reach $60 billion. By 2030-31, the cost of debt charges alone could reach $83 billion. These funds are not going to be used to build hospitals, hire nurses, improve our roads and highways or give Canadians a break on their grocery bills. They will be used to meet financial obligations racked up the government.
Of course, all governments have to be able to borrow. Debt can be useful for funding necessary and productive investments. However, the government has to be able to show that the borrowed funds will produce tangible results and that public finances will remain manageable. This is exactly why we are requesting today that the Prime Minister come and explain himself before the finance committee. We are seeing no results on the ground. In fact, daily life is growing worse for our people.
I would now like to focus this debate on a reality that I am very familiar with, the reality of Richmond—Arthabaska—des-Sources.
In my region, we are fortunate to have innovative entrepreneurs, passionate farmers, manufacturers and community organizations that do outstanding work. However, behind this economic vitality, there are also people facing significant financial hardship. The recent statistics on food assistance are particularly telling.
According to Moisson Mauricie—Centre-du-Québec's 2026 hunger report, the network of 61 member organizations are now responding to over 137,000 requests for food assistance every month. That is an increase of 23% in just one year and an increase of 60% in five years. I repeat: Requests for food assistance have increased by 60% in five years. What is even more worrisome is that nearly 13% of the households assisted by this network have employment income. They have an income, but they are still struggling to make ends meet. That means that people are working, getting paid and yet still have to ask for help to put food on the table. That is what is happening.
The report also indicates that over 17% of the households that receive assistance rely mainly on an old age pension or retirement pension. Let us think about these seniors who worked for 30, 40 or 50 years. These are people who paid their taxes, raised their children and families and contributed to the development of our community. Today, some of them have to turn to food banks to make ends meet. That is what is happening right now. This situation deserves our full attention.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers and community organizations in our regions that meet these needs every day. Their work is essential. However, we should be asking ourselves why so many Canadians need their services. Our collective goal should be to allow people to live with dignity from their work and their retirement income.
In a country as rich as ours, both in terms of resources and opportunities, we need to find a way to make the essentials more affordable. That means a more productive economy, investments that create wealth and the sound management of public finances. We need to put an end to the Liberal culture of reckless spending. This Liberal culture is all about reckless spending.
I am also thinking about the farmers in my riding. In Richmond—Arthabaska—des-Sources, agriculture plays a significant role in our economy and our regional identity. Our producers have to contend with the cost of fuel, machinery, equipment, fertilizers and transportation. When a farmer's expenses rise, they cannot always incorporate those costs into the selling price of their products. They often have to absorb the increase at the expense of their profitability. When production and transportation costs rise throughout the food chain, this inevitably affects the price paid at the grocery store. That is why economic decisions made here in Ottawa have to take into account the impact on businesses and families in our regions.
The same goes for our manufacturing companies. When a company needs to invest more to modernize, hire workers, or break into new markets, it needs a predictable economic environment. As a former entrepreneur, I know that what people need is predictability. Businesses need to have confidence in the future. They need a government capable of distinguishing between investments that truly foster growth and spending that simply burdens public finances. Prosperity cannot be decreed. It is built through hard work, innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer's report also raises a fundamental question about the government's financial commitments. The Prime Minister promised to reduce the deficit-to-GDP ratio. However, according to projections published on October 20, that target is unlikely to be consistently met. The Prime Minister has to be able to defend his choices to the representatives of the people of Canada.
I want to close by calling to mind once again the people of my riding. A family in Victoriaville will have to make choices when revising its budget, because the cost of essentials continues to rise.
The Prime Minister also has to make choices. We expect him to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance to answer our questions and those of concerned Canadians.
Opposition Motion—Appearance of the Prime Minister before the Standing Committee on FinanceBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Jean-Yves Duclos Liberal Québec Centre, QC
Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to hear our colleague talk about the importance of volunteering in his riding. Many organizations in his riding, including the Breakfast Club, provide meals to thousands of children. The problem is that his leader described the work of the Breakfast Club as bureaucratic. He has said that helping to ensure that kids go to school with full bellies is bureaucratic.
I would like to know if the member agrees with his leader.
Opposition Motion—Appearance of the Prime Minister before the Standing Committee on FinanceBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska—des-Sources, QC
Madam Speaker, once again, I want to thank the people and volunteers getting involved in our communities.
In my riding, a group of men founded Clan Destins, which supports the Boîtes à lunch program. These individuals have dedicated themselves to the cause and are raising funds because the government is currently unable to support them. I thank them for that. What we need right now is for people to be able to make ends meet. That is the ultimate goal.