House of Commons Hansard #86 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was vessel.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Report stage of Bill C-14. The bill aims to amend the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and National Defence Act regarding bail and sentencing. The Liberal Party supports it, stating it strengthens bail rules for repeat violent offenders and serious crimes. The Conservative Party argues it doesn't go far enough, calling for stricter penalties and prioritizing public safety. The NDP opposes the bill, claiming it is a "knee-jerk reaction" that deepens inequality. The Bloc Québécois will vote for it but criticizes the rushed legislative process. 10100 words, 1 hour in 2 segments: 1 2.
Similarities Between Bill C-2 and Bill C-12 Michael Barrett raises a point of order, arguing Bill C-2 cannot proceed on the Order Paper due to the "same question rule." He contends Bill C-12, already passed, is substantively similar, with 69% of Bill C-2's content. 1200 words, 10 minutes.
Clean Coasts Act Second reading of Bill C-244. The bill aims to address abandoned, derelict, and hazardous vessels by clarifying that marine dumping is a strict liability offense and prohibiting the transfer of ownership if the seller knows the buyer lacks the ability or intent to maintain or dispose of the vessel. While members largely support the intent, some Conservatives raise concerns about the vagueness of the ownership transfer clause and existing enforcement issues. 7200 words, 1 hour.
Leslie Church LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this is the most extensive digital transformation ever. The vast majority of seniors are registered in the system and are receiving their benefits promptly and correctly. We have contacted MPs' offices to ask for the names of the Canadians concerned, and we have also offered to brief MPs on the system.
Our government continues to support seniors in a variety of ways, including through dental care and the new grocery benefit.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am honestly at a loss for words. I am sorry but the Liberals have really just proven that they are incompetent.
They just proved that they have no respect for seniors. They just proved that they have no respect for the Canadians who payed $5 billion too much. They just proved that, basically, the Liberals are the elite and that they do not care about ordinary Canadians. I will continue to fight.
I do not have a question. This is incompetence. Unless the minister can show me that she has put a crisis task force in place to deal with this issue, then she can remain seated.
Leslie Church Liberal Toronto—St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, the department has been working to modernize a decades-old system to be able to process claims more effectively in the decades to come. Right now, 7.7 million seniors are receiving their benefits on time, and the department is working urgently to deal with any cases where there has been a delay.
Giovanna Mingarelli Liberal Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have good news.
Following almost unprecedented levels of collaboration, Bill C-19 has received royal assent. As a result, over 12 million Canadians will now receive vital support to help pay for groceries and other essentials.
Canadians are expecting us to, once again, put partisanship aside and pass the budget implementation act. Can the parliamentary secretary update the House on how swift passage of the BIA would help unlock generational investments and build the strongest economy in the G7?
Peter Fragiskatos LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, in the short time the member has served as an MP, she has made an outstanding contribution, particularly regarding economic issues. She is, after all, a tech entrepreneur at not one but two companies. She understands the importance of putting in place a foundation for the Canadian economy.
Bill C-19 did receive royal assent, and 12 million Canadians will benefit.
We can go a step further and put in place a foundation for the future of this country. That is, of course, the budget. I have had the opportunity to serve, for a few meetings now, on the federal finance committee. We are working well there. I hope the Conservatives will work with us to pass the budget without obstruction. I know they are up to it, and I know the country needs that right now.
Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, at the finance committee, the president of the Canada Infrastructure Bank stated that none of the funds loaned to electric bus makers were written off. Despite the bankruptcy of Lion Electric, which had at least $470 million allocated to it, the strategic innovation fund also committed $50 million to Lion. That is a writeoff. Export Development will not disclose how much it lost. Lion Electric was always a funding scheme that enabled insiders to profit from the government's transition narrative.
Will the responsible minister provide some transparency and show taxpayers how much this scam has cost them?
Karim Bardeesy LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague opposite, who is a constructive member on these questions.
Obviously, the situation he refers to with this particular company has its issues, but we know, more generally, that investments in renewable technology work. We know the future direction of both heavy vehicles and light vehicles is increasingly electric. That is why we are making the investments we are making.
In terms of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, I will refer those questions to the bank.
Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB
Mr. Speaker, I do not know how much proof they need in order to see that this is actually not working—that money is going off the table and nothing is being accomplished.
The president of Lion Electric, Marc Bédard, sold $33 million of his shares prior to its bankruptcy. In what is known as a “pump and dump” stock play, the Liberal government acted as the pump for millions of taxpayer dollars. Mr. Bédard and his friends then orchestrated the dump, and they walked away with millions of dollars. The former minister did not include a share lock-up with the grants. This is at least gross incompetence. It is a financial crime, the victims of which are Canadian taxpayers.
Will any minister finally do the right thing and call in the RCMP?
Peter Fragiskatos LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, I was at the federal finance committee yesterday with the hon. member. He knows how the answer was put forward by Mr. Cory of the Infrastructure Bank.
There is no deal with Lion Electric. What happened with Lion in terms of the bankruptcy obviously is regrettable, certainly, but the buses that were intended to be procured are on the road under the operation of another company. The company was in fact sold.
When it comes to the Infrastructure Bank, the founding act of the bank makes this clear: Audits are required. The member can look at those audits. The Auditor General is required to look at the Infrastructure Bank. Committee meetings can happen.
The answers were clear.
Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB
Mr. Speaker, there is rampant use of illegal workers on federally funded infrastructure projects in Alberta. These trafficked workers are being abused, robbed and forced into unsafe work conditions, while union trades are shut out of the very jobs their taxes are funding. Over a year ago, I presented evidence to the government of this corruption, yet there has been no action. We tried to start a study in committee on the issue, but the Liberals blocked it.
Why are the Liberals siding with corrupt companies that are using illegal, trafficked workers, instead of standing with Alberta's building trades?
Jennifer McKelvie LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Mr. Speaker, we have lots of respect for all the individuals who are out there building important infrastructure in Canada. We expect all employers to follow the rules to ensure that Canadians are safe day in and day out. We will continue to work forward so we can make sure that happens.
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Mr. Speaker, I also have good news today. Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, after months of Conservative obstruction, is finally making its way through. Premiers, mayors and law enforcement from across the country have called on Parliament to quickly pass the bill so it could soon become the law of the land.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice please share with Canadians the progress made on the bail and sentencing reform act?
Patricia Lattanzio LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, our new Liberal Prime Minister was given a clear mandate by Canadians to tighten bail, strengthen sentences and keep repeat violent offenders in jail, where they belong. After months and months of obstruction by the Conservatives at committee, holding Bill C-14 hostage and running down the clock by talking about cats and dogs, they finally relented last week and allowed the bill to move forward.
Today, as the bill reaches its final stage at third reading, I urge the Conservatives to support this important piece of legislation that would help keep our communities safe.
Bernard Généreux Conservative Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, QC
Mr. Speaker, the college and community innovation program supports research centres like Solutions Novika, Biopterre and Optech in La Pocatière. These centres support entrepreneurs' efforts to innovate and create jobs in the regions. However, the government is set to cut 30% of their budget.
Meanwhile, it is throwing more than $6 billion at the the Cúram fiasco and continues to spend billions of dollars on consultations, with fiscal management that always leaves Canadians with more debt and fewer results. It is quite simply outrageous.
Why are the Liberals cutting research and innovation instead of cutting spending?
Karim Bardeesy LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
Mr. Speaker, we know that colleges conduct very important research and that their relationships with businesses are very important, since the intellectual property rights to the research conducted by colleges belong to businesses.
People have been advocating for the program, and we are having productive conversations about it with the people from the colleges.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says he is committed to pharmacare, but today only three provinces and one territory are covered. That is about 17% of all Canadians. A commitment to pharmacare should mean access for Canadians no matter where they live. Right now, access to medicine depends on one's postal code. It is not nation building when we give only certain provinces and territories access to medicine.
Will the Prime Minister commit today to expanding pharmacare to every province and territory that wants in so Canadians are not treated differently based on where they live?
Maggie Chi LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I know that the hon. member works really hard for his community, and I appreciate the collaboration on this very matter.
Our government will always protect Canada's health care system, including pharmacare and dental care. These are clear commitments, and we will always keep them. We are continuing to work with all provinces and territories to see how we can best support them to strengthen the health care system, including pharmacare.
Lori Idlout NDP Nunavut, NU
Uqaqtittiji, the first nations caring society created Have a Heart Day. I attended an event held at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe. There were about 15 schools with around 700 students at this beautiful event. Originally started in 2012, this campaign has students write letters to the Prime Minister regarding injustices towards indigenous peoples.
Will the Prime Minister honour these calls and finally act to give equity to indigenous peoples in Canada?
Jaime Battiste LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for her passion for this issue.
It is absolutely clear that we must continue to do everything we can to eliminate discrimination in Canada. That is why our ministers are meeting with stakeholders and with partners. They are ensuring that they get this right. We will continue to be focused on ensuring reconciliation moving forward.
I look forward to talking with the member opposite and explaining what the minister is doing over the next few weeks.
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-15, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, be disposed of as follows:
(a) it be an instruction to the Standing Committee on Finance that, during its consideration of the bill:
(i) the committee shall have the first priority for the use of House resources for committee meetings,
(ii) all amendments for clause-by-clause consideration of the bill be submitted to the clerk of the committee in both official languages no later than noon on Thursday, February 19, 2026,
(iii) the clerk of the committee write immediately to each member who is not a member of a caucus represented on the committee and any independent members to inform them of the study of the bill by the committee and to invite them to prepare and submit any proposed amendments to the bill, and that these amendments shall be deemed proposed during clause-by-clause consideration of the bill,
(iv) the Chair of the committee write as promptly as possible to the chairs of the standing committees who have chosen to consider the subject matter of the provisions in the bill to inform them that any recommendations or suggested amendments be sent to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance no later than noon Thursday, February 19, 2026,
(v) the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of the bill no later than Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.,
(vi) if the committee has not completed the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, all remaining amendments submitted to the committee shall be deemed moved, the Chair shall put the question, forthwith and successively, without further debate on all remaining clauses and proposed amendments as well as each and every question necessary to dispose of clause-by-clause consideration of the bill,
(vii) the Chair shall report the bill to the House no later than Wednesday February 25, 2026;
(b) the bill may be taken up at report stage at the next sitting following the completion of the provisions of subparagraph (a)(vii) of this order; and
(c) the motion for third reading of the bill may be made in the same sitting during which the said bill has been concurred in at report stage.
Proceedings on Bill C-15Oral Questions
The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater
All those opposed to the hon. minister's moving the motion will please say nay.
It is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
Yasir Naqvi LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), and in accordance with the enhanced transparency requirements set out in the amended policy on tabling of treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to present to the House of Commons the Government of Canada's objectives for three negotiations, including a Canada-United Arab Emirates comprehensive economic partnership agreement, a Canada-India comprehensive economic partnership agreement, and a Canada-Thailand free trade agreement.
The Government of Canada intends to commence these negotiations as soon as practicable, but in accordance with the policy, the commencement of negotiations will take place no earlier than 30 days from today.
Yvan Baker Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Official Languages, entitled “Certificate of Nomination of Kelly Burke to the Position of Commissioner of Official Languages”.
The committee recommends the nominee for the position of Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada.
Government Business No. 5—Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in DyingRoutine Proceedings
Winnipeg North Manitoba
Liberal
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, Government Business number 5, standing on the Notice Paper in the name of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, be deemed adopted.
Government Business No. 5—Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in DyingRoutine Proceedings
The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater
All those opposed to the hon. minister's moving the motion will please say nay.
It is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)