House of Commons Hansard #162 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was illness.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Veterans' Week Members mark Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day by honouring veterans, serving members and military families, including those affected by the recent deaths and injuries at CFB Wainwright. They reflect on the human costs of war and call for remembrance through ceremonies and storytelling, alongside better care and support for veterans. 2800 words, 25 minutes.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act First reading of Bill C-295. The bill requires the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board to avoid investments in entities linked to serious human, labour or environmental rights violations, prohibited weapons, or certain forms of corruption. 300 words.
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 Report stage of Bill C-31. The bill implements budget measures, including major-project approvals, Canadian procurement, defence investment, trade diversification, business tax incentives and clean-economy support. Conservatives criticize its defence procurement powers and the government’s spending and debt, while Liberals argue it supports economic growth, workers and households. The Bloc raises concerns about pesticide re-evaluations and public-service immunity. 9200 words, 1 hour.
Wartime Service Recognition Act Second reading of Bill S-246. The bill requires a transparent national framework and objective criteria for recognizing wartime service, applied to past and future conflicts. Members across parties support updating recognition for veterans of conflicts such as the Persian Gulf War and Afghanistan, and the bill passes unanimously for committee study. 6000 words, 45 minutes.
Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act Second reading of Bill C-41. The bill would permanently exclude MAID where mental illness is the sole underlying condition and allow advance requests for people with capacity-limiting illnesses. Liberal and Bloc members emphasize autonomy and respecting prior wishes, while Conservatives question consent and safeguards and call for the measures to be separated for further study. Provinces and territories would decide whether to implement advance requests. 53500 words, 6 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, the hon. member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South will be leading us in the singing of the national anthem.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian dental care plan exists because New Democrats fought for it. We pushed the government to deliver this benefit to millions of Canadians, many of whom could not afford to see a dentist before, and now Danielle Smith wants to take this program away from Albertans. She wants to pull Alberta out and have the federal government hand the money directly to her. This comes mere days after Albertans voted “no” to this in the referendum. They voted for better access to federal programs, not worse.
Let us be clear. The Canadian dental care plan is a fully federally funded and administered insurance plan, so the very idea of an opt-out should be absurd. The Prime Minister must refuse to hand over federal funding in a way that would allow Smith to dismantle the programs that New Democrats fought so hard for. All Canadians deserve dental care. New Democrats will continue to fight for it.
Zoe Royer Liberal Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC
Mr. Speaker, our community is grieving the loss of a dear friend and an extraordinary Canadian. Ruth Foster passed away September 28.
Ruth and fellow teacher Rod MacVicar brought eight students to a neglected creek in Port Moody, 50 years ago. Together, they transformed Mossom Creek into a thriving salmon habitat, world-class hatchery and education centre. For half a century, Ruth Foster inspired generations of young people to care for our environment. Many became scientists, educators and conservation leaders themselves. Her shoes will be impossible to fill, but because of her, thousands will walk in her footsteps.
To her husband John, her family, Rod and the entire Mossom Creek community, our deepest condolences. I thank Ruth. Her legacy lives on.
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker,
Tomorrow we will hear the same old song, the same refrain.
“We have good news”, and you will say, “Here we go again”.
Strip away the malarkey, the spin and the show,
the numbers tell a story Canadians already know:
jobs on the run, investments taking flight,
groceries through the roof and debts out of sight,
more taxes, less pay, more bills on the way.
And now, another budget with more billions to blow.
Just how much deeper in the hole can this government go?
Mr. Speaker, is your robe waterproof?
Because all of us are about to get hosed again, and you know that's the truth.
Halloween has come and gone. The tricks must end.
It's time to spend responsibly, not just pretend.
Show some respect to the taxpayers who foot the bill.
They deserve accountability, not another spending thrill.
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, as Remembrance Day approaches, I rise to recognize the retired master corporal Matthew Logan, who served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Together with his daughters, Juliette and Alexandra, he helps organize Newton's annual Remembrance Day gathering. They share memorial cards that tell the stories of fallen service members. These cards help us remember the people behind the names.
This year, Matthew is sharing the stories of Canadians who died in the Korean War. Their efforts encourage younger generations to learn about these stories and keep their memory alive. On November 11, residents will gather at Newton Seniors Centre to honour those who served and remember those who never returned.
We thank Matthew, Juliette and Alexandra for their dedication.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember those who sacrificed so much for the country we call home. Each year we stand in a moment of silence, and this year, new names are carried within that silence, because on October 17, four Canadian soldiers lost their lives during training at CFB Wainwright.
Among them was Private Hayden Lykkemark from Langley, British Columbia. He was only 19 years old, a young man with dreams for his future and an entire life ahead of him. The tragic loss reminds us why we gather every November 11 to honour the great generations of Canadians who served us, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who returned forever changed.
As we gather in remembrance across Abbotsford—South Langley and across Canada, we stand with every veteran and every Canadian family that carries the weight of loss. We will remember them. Lest we forget.
Sophie Chatel Liberal Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, QC
Mr. Speaker, as Remembrance Day approaches, I rise to honour Pilot Officer Gordon James Strutt from Shawville, Quebec, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War.
Born in Shawville, Gordon enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served with the 58th Squadron. On August 6, 1942, he and five fellow airmen took off from Wick, Scotland on a patrol over the North Sea. Their aircraft never returned, and the crew members were never found.
Gordon's story reminds us all that behind every name on a cenotaph was a person, a family and a community forever changed by their sacrifice.
We will remember Gordon James Strutt and all those who served and sacrificed for our country and for freedom.
Lest we forget.
Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB
Mr. Speaker, Canadians used to make grocery lists, but now they are making grocery sacrifices. They are no longer choosing what goes in their carts, but what they have to leave out.
Half of surveyed Canadians say they are using their savings for basic necessities, and nearly one in three Canadians surveyed are skipping meals or eating less because they cannot afford groceries. Toronto food banks record over four million visits per year, which is over a 300% increase since 2019. In my home province of Manitoba, food banks recorded more than 71,000 visits in March alone, with nearly 25,000 households seeking help every single month.
Canadians are cutting back at the checkout while the government keeps running up the bill. My constituents do not need another Liberal handout. They need honest tax relief so that they do not need to go to food banks, but can, once more, afford to go to grocery stores.
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, ON
Mr. Speaker, in 2015, Canada welcomed Syrian refugees fleeing the civil war, and many settled in Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East. Some 11 years later, they have become citizens and integrated into the community. They have opened businesses, become professionals and are contributing to all aspects of life, yet their hearts still ache for their homeland of Syria and those left behind.
While the civil war has ended, the suffering has not. I recently joined a delegation of parliamentarians and aid organizations and visited Syria. We saw a country still recovering from conflict. We saw rubble and destruction. We also met resilient people determined to rebuild their lives and their country.
I thank everyone who welcomed us and shared their stories. I also thank the Union of Medical Care & Relief Organizations and all the aid organizations for the work they are doing on the ground in Syria.
Canada stepped up to welcome Syrian refugees a decade ago. Let us—
SyriaStatements by Members
Kerry Diotte Conservative Edmonton Griesbach, AB
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are working harder, paying more and getting less. The Salvation Army reports one in three Canadians is skipping meals because they cannot afford groceries. This is Canada under the Liberals.
The Prime Minister promised affordability. Instead, he is doubling deficits while Canadians struggle to put food on the table. Canadians do not need more empty Liberal promises. They need results.
Conservatives are demanding a federal budget that cuts spending and reduces the debt and deficits. We are calling for the elimination of gas taxes until Canada Day and the suspension of the GST on gas until summer.
Canadians work hard, follow the rules and deserve an affordable life. The Liberal government is out of touch, its spending is out of control and Canadians are out of money.
Jean-Denis Garon Bloc Mirabel, QC
Mr. Speaker, on October 29, 38 firefighters from the city of Mirabel were honoured for their years of service. Although I do not have enough time to name them all, I want to pay tribute to them for their dedication to serving and protecting our community over the course of their careers.
Being a firefighter means choosing to answer the call in an emergency. It means showing courage, dedication and solidarity. It means accepting a responsibility that goes far beyond oneself and being able to act quickly under difficult circumstances, always keeping in mind that the only priority is the safety of others.
Among those honoured were firefighters, lieutenants, captains, department chiefs, a district chief and a director, with 20, 30, 40 and even 50 years of service. Every decade represents thousands of hours on call, countless hours of training and an unwavering commitment to the community of Mirabel.
On behalf of myself and my fellow citizens, I want to thank each and every one of them for their work. Most of all, I thank them for continuing to keep our communities safe.
Kent MacDonald Liberal Cardigan, PE
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thousands of Islanders who exercised their democratic right on Monday in our municipal elections. Strong communities start at the local level, and I want to acknowledge the dedication shown by everyone who stepped forward to put their name on the ballot and those who volunteered over the last few weeks. Above all, I want to congratulate the new and returning councillors and mayors across eastern P.E.I.
Whether in our larger towns or our rural municipalities, local leadership handles the daily services that make Cardigan such an incredible place to live, to work and to raise a family. From maintaining vital infrastructure to supporting recreation and community life, municipal leaders play an essential role in the well-being of Islanders every day.
I look forward to working collaboratively with all our new and returning municipal leaders in P.E.I.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, when I go grocery shopping, I am always shocked at the prices. My heart breaks for those millions of Canadians who can barely make ends meet. A new Dalhousie University survey found that one in three Canadians is drawing from their savings or borrowing money just to buy food. After years of Liberal spending, inflationary budgets and economic mismanagement, Canadians are paying the price. The numbers are staggering. Canadian food banks recorded 2.5 million visits in a single month, more than double since 2019, and one-third involved children.
In B.C., food bank visits have also doubled. Seniors on a fixed income, single parents and working families are increasingly turning to food banks because they simply cannot make ends meet. Canadians deserve a government that makes life more affordable, not Liberal budgets that make putting food on the table increasingly difficult.
Caroline Desrochers Liberal Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Speaker, single-use plastics are one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. A team of researchers in Trois-Rivières is trying to come up with solutions to address this issue.
Today, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada will present a Synergy Award for Innovation to Julien Bley, Martin Dubé and Tarik Jabrane of Innofibre at the CEGEP de Trois-Rivières, as well as Simon Barnabé and Bruno Chabot of the Université du Québec à Trois‑Rivières, alongside their industrial partner, Kruger. Together, they are transforming our forest resources into packaging to replace single-use plastics. This includes recyclable and compostable paper, cellulose film and packaging that keeps food fresh longer. Their partnership illustrates what can be achieved when colleges, universities and industry work together.
On behalf of the people of Trois‑Rivières, I would like to thank them and offer my congratulations.
Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Private Shaun Farrell of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, who lost his life in the recent CFB Wainwright training accident. Today, Shaun's family, friends and comrades, and members of the community, gather to pay their respects at a military service with full honours at the Prince Albert Armoury. I stand with them in their grief.
Born in South Africa, Shaun made Canada and Prince Albert his home. As a new Canadian, Shaun answered the call to duty with courage and professionalism. Training accidents remind us of the real risks our soldiers accept every day, even when they are far from the battlefield.
Shaun leaves behind his loving parents Roland and Patricia, his brother Byran, his grandmother Lynette, his extended family and his friends. On behalf of the House, I offer my deepest condolences to Shaun's family and to those who served with him. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him.
Jessica Fancy-Landry Liberal South Shore—St. Margarets, NS
Mr. Speaker, as a former educator, I know that teaching civics is about more than explaining how our institutions work. It is also about inspiring young people to participate in our democracy. That is why I rise today to recognize the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy, which brings outstanding teachers from across Canada this week to Parliament Hill to experience our democratic institutions first-hand.
These 80 educators return to their classrooms with a deeper understanding of Parliament and a renewed ability to engage students in the democratic process. At a time when misinformation and political polarization can undermine our trust in public institutions, civic education has never been more important.
I want to thank the people participating this week, as well as the House of Commons staff who make this program possible every single year. Together we are helping to build a more informed, engaged and democratic Canada.
Ned Kuruc Conservative Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, just days before Remembrance Day, a 59-year-old member of the Canadian Armed Forces was assaulted while supervising young cadets at a poppy drive in Hamilton. The attack left him with life-altering injuries. I am absolutely disgusted by this violent attack, especially given the significance of the Remembrance Day poppy drive.
Every year, Canadians proudly wear their poppy to honour the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. For a CAF member to be violently attacked while volunteering his time to support our veterans is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable. I can confidently speak for every member of the House when I say our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, his family and the young cadets who witnessed this horrific act.
Our veterans fought to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear. There is no place for this kind of violence in Canada.
Leslie Church Liberal Toronto—St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, Rick Hansen turned an extraordinary journey 40 years ago into a movement that changed Canada and the world: over 26 months, 34 countries and 40,000 kilometres, powered by his own physical strength and the strength of his belief. He challenged all of us to think bigger about disability, about opportunity and about the country we can build together.
Tonight we welcome this great Canadian to Ottawa for a screening of Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story right here on Parliament Hill. Four decades on, the Rick Hansen Foundation's work continues to break down barriers, champion accessibility and open doors. Rick's example calls on members of the House to build a Canada where everyone can participate, contribute and belong.
We thank Rick for helping Canada dream bigger and for shattering what we thought were the limits of disability. His journey around the world may have ended, but what he set in motion never will.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it is all well and good to watch the results south of the border, but we also have to look at the real problems real people are having here, at home. People are really suffering, and things have only gotten worse after two years of this Prime Minister and his grand theatrical gestures. People cannot afford groceries, housing or gas.
Will the Prime Minister do his job here at home? Will he stand up in the House and announce that he will take action to save Canadians money by eliminating all gas taxes?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, of course, we have repeatedly taken action to support Canadians who have—
TaxationOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The hon. Leader of the Government in the House of Commons may start his answer from the beginning.
Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, of course, this Prime Minister has repeatedly taken action to support Canadians who are suffering because of rising prices, wars in the Middle East and Europe, and factors outside our country. We will always take action. However, we are taking note of the Conservative Party's systemic opposition to any initiative designed to support Canadians in need.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the question was for the Prime Minister and concerned the rising price of gas due to Liberal taxes.
There are two economies: one for the Prime Minister's friends and another for everyone else. Under the Conflict of Interest Act, it is illegal for the Prime Minister to intervene in the awarding of contracts to companies connected to friends. Mr. Goldberg of Telesat belongs to both a book club and a running club with the Prime Minister. He has also attended two of the Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremonies.
Did the Prime Minister discuss the $2-billion contract awarded to Telesat with his staff?