Debates of Feb. 24th, 2026

Pensions

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, there is room over here. I agree that the Prime Minister is an honourable man, and that is why I am so confident to serve under his leadership.

Regarding the issue of Cúram, it would be great if we had some honourable conversations about the real facts of this case. In fact, 7.7 million seniors have been transferred to the new system without any delay. The number that the opposition members keep repeating are new applicants.

We have a process as well for urgent cases. I have asked the member opposite to come to me with those urgent cases, and we can get people's benefits started within 24 to 48 hours. There is a—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Halifax.

Health

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, we all agree in the House that tuberculosis rates in Inuit Nunangat and in many first nations communities remain far too high and that this serves as a reminder of historical discrimination and the lasting effects of colonization.

Can the Minister of Indigenous Services tell the House what our new government is doing to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030?

[Mandy Gull-Masty, Liberal, Minister of Indigenous Services]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my esteemed colleague for this important question.

To eradicate tuberculosis, investments have been made in innovative, Inuit-led approaches to improve health outcomes in those communities that are most at risk.

Our government has just announced an additional $27 million in significant investments for tuberculosis solutions in Inuit Nunangat.

We will advance this work in partnership with ITK and Inuit treaty organizations to better support prevention, screening and—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations.

Public Safety

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Liberal revolving-door policies strike again. Today in Toronto, a criminal who, while out on bail and convicted of stabbing a male seven times on the subway, caused life-altering injuries and permanent trauma, is now walking free. The judge called him a high risk to reoffend, and now his victim fears for his life.

How many more innocent Canadians have to be stabbed, shot or terrorized before the government stops propping up a broken system and actually starts protecting victims?

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)]

Mr. Speaker, cases like this are exactly why we brought in Bill C-14. I am glad to report that Bill C-14 has passed on to the Senate. The Senate is doing its work. There will be bail reform in that bill. There will be harsher sentences for people who commit crimes. I am glad we will be able to tackle this issue.

My role has been put in place because we are a tough-on-crime government, and we will do everything that it takes to make sure we do not have incidents like this.

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON]

Mr. Speaker, that tragic case is a direct result of Bill C-5 and Bill C-75's laws that weaken bail, water down consequences and fuel the revolving door for violent crime.

Conservatives have repeatedly fought to strengthen bail and early release provisions and to keep violent offenders behind bars. We have offered to work with the government, yet the Liberals vote down tougher laws that Conservatives propose, choosing ideology over public safety.

How many more Canadians have to be violently attacked before the government admits its laws are failing?

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)]

Mr. Speaker, one-third of all legislation that we have brought forward has been tough-on-crime legislation, justice reform and public safety bills. Many of these measures have moved forward and progressed, but there are some measures that have not moved forward at all because the Conservatives have been obstructing those measures. We need to be able to provide law enforcement with the tools it needs, the advancement that is needed. Lawful access measures are a part of that regime.

I would like the Conservatives to work with us.

Justice

[Frank Caputo, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, a man was recently sentenced to two years less a day for possessing over 2,600 images of child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Let us remember that it is Parliament's jurisdiction to set sentencing ranges. That is why I put forward a bill last Parliament to raise sentences for people who commit sexual offences against kids.

Make no mistake: I believe that every member of the chamber wants to protect children, but if that is the case, will the Liberals commit today as to when they will introduce legislation that will strengthen our sentencing for people who possess these criminal and awful materials?

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency]

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to answer the hon. member's question directly.

During the fall sitting last year, we put forward legislation that is going to increase sentences for a range of sexual crimes. We are also going to be restoring mandatory minimum penalties, including for child pornography charges, following the Senneville decision of the Supreme Court.

However, on this side of the House, we know that it is not enough to punish bad actors after a crime has taken place. That is why I would urge all members of the House to get behind the government's efforts to pass Bill C-2 so we can actually adopt a lawful access regime, give cops the tools they need to put criminals behind bars, and keep our kids safe.

Indigenous Affairs

[Philip Earle, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Mr. Speaker, we know how important it is that Inuit children have timely and equitable access to the health, social and educational supports they deserve. The Inuit child first initiative has been instrumental in helping to close long-standing gaps, ensuring that Inuit children are not left behind.

Could the Minister of Indigenous Services please update the House on her recent announcement and explain how it will further strengthen supports for Inuit children and families, including those in my own riding of Labrador?

[Mandy Gull-Masty, Liberal, Minister of Indigenous Services]

Mr. Speaker, I am really pleased to be able to respond to my colleague and affirm the announcement of $115 million towards renewed funding for the Inuit child first initiative that will reach those children and families in his riding, and like mine.

I want to thank my constituents who expressed their support for this progress. I am looking forward to continuing to deliver in this space. Of course, we are going to be doing long-term work in partnership with our colleagues to ensure that we are able to determine the future next steps of this process.

Science and Innovation

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lévis—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have locked the doors to the Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures experimental farm and the Laval University research centre in the Minister of Public Works and Procurement's constituency. Everyone agrees that this decision will have long-term consequences for our food sovereignty and our Canadian expertise.

Agricultural research is already being neglected under the Liberals. The Prime Minister has stated that a country that cannot feed itself has few options.

Why is the government not walking the talk?

[Heath MacDonald, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, it is vital we find ways to streamline our services and focus our efforts in the right place. I have had the opportunity to sit down with representatives of Laval university to talk about AAFC and the partnerships we have.

Streamlining research in collaboration with academia and the private sector will prioritize our high-impact areas and duplication, and align ourselves for the future. We are going to continue to be the biggest science entity in the country, and we will use that to our advantage in our trade negotiations.

Health

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Canada Health Act guarantees Canadians universal access to public health care, but Danielle Smith is creating a private system that will hollow out health care in Alberta and spread to other provinces, making the crisis across the country even worse.

At the same time, Canadians in nine provinces and territories still have no access to national pharmacare, and the health minister will not even meet with the Canadian Health Coalition to talk about it.

Is the Prime Minister deliberately letting Canadian health care erode, or does he simply not care enough to protect it?

[Marjorie Michel, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague knows, our government and I will always defend the Canada Health Act. As I have said many times, we are working closely with our provincial and territorial partners to advance the best health services for all Canadians.

Persons with Disabilities

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, our health care system is already stretched, yet the Liberal government piles on needless paperwork.

The College of Family Physicians warns that the disability tax credit form is worsening the strain on family doctors and limiting access to the Canada disability benefit. Instead of fixing the problem, budget 2025 sets aside $10 million to help people navigate a broken system. Provinces already determine disability eligibility.

Why will the minister not just accept provincial approvals for the disability tax credit and cut red tape so family doctors can focus on patient care and so people with disabilities can actually access their benefits?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be part of a country that believes that people with disabilities deserve to live in dignity, and that is why we have a disability tax credit. As the member knows, this is important work for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in Canadian society, and we will continue to advocate to ensure that everyone reaches their full potential in this country.

Oral Questions

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

Mr. Speaker, you are the guardian of my parliamentary privilege, and one of those privileges is to ensure that, when I attend question period, I can hear the questions and the answers, regardless of how I may feel about them.

However, during several recent question periods, the people sitting to your right have developed the bad habit of not containing their enthusiasm. They are standing up and applauding before the answers are finished, which prevents the interpreters from doing their job. It has happened on a few occasions that they have been unable to do their job. When the interpreters are able to do their job, we cannot appreciate it because we cannot hear the rest of the answer at all.

Mr. Speaker, I would like you to make this clear to the people across the way.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I thank the member. I will take note of that and investigate. However, I must admit that this comes from both sides. There are some rather strong voices on both sides. I know them. I know who they are.

I thank the member for his intervention.

Ukraine

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Pursuant to order made on Monday, February 23, 2026, I now invite the House to rise and observe a moment of silence for Ukraine and the victims of Russian aggression.

[A moment of silence observed]

[Yvan Baker, Liberal, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

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 the House:

(a) condemn Russia's ongoing, unjustified, full-scale military invasion of Ukraine;

(b) call on Russia to cease its hostilities against Ukraine and withdraw to recognized international borders;

(c) strongly condemn Russia's deliberate and ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, depriving civilians of heat, electricity and basic services, particularly during the winter months;

(d) reaffirm the Government of Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine, its territorial integrity, and independence and sovereignty within internationally recognized borders and territorial waters;

(e) affirm Canada's commitment to working toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region;

(f) support the establishment of robust and legally binding security guarantees to Ukraine;

(g) acknowledge the work of the Government of Canada, provinces, and territories, in assisting those displaced by Russia's ongoing, unjust, invasion of Ukraine; and

(h) recognize Canada's leadership at the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and call for all possible efforts to be made to ensure the return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians and children forcibly deported to Russia, and to support efforts to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes before the International Criminal Court.

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.

There being no dissenting voice, 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)

The House will now proceed to statements regarding Ukraine and the victims of Russian aggression.

I now recognize the hon. member for Ottawa South.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, last night, Ukrainian parents hugged their children as sirens began to blare. Some rationed what little heat they had left; others huddled together in dark, cold apartments. They listened as drones flew over the city for hours, then to the deafening sounds of missiles. For Ukrainians, this is just another night.

This morning marks four long years since Russia launched its unjustified, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For four years, Russia has bombed Ukraine's churches, schools, hospitals and maternity wards. Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children. It has targeted Ukraine's energy supply, attempting to freeze civilians to death by bombing power plants and heating systems in the dead of winter. Nonetheless, the glory and freedom of Ukraine have not perished; they have instead persisted.

Four years later, Russia is weakened. Its forces are exhausted. Its economy is in turmoil. Although Russia has gained ground thanks to its superior military might, it has greatly underestimated a force that cannot be measured by weapons: the courage, determination and strength of the Ukrainian people.

Canada has a long and consistent history of standing with Ukraine. We were the first western nation to recognize its independence. When Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, Canada launched Operation Unifier, sending Canadian Armed Forces personnel to help strengthen Ukraine's security and defence. Since then, Canada has become one of Ukraine's most significant supporters, providing substantial financial assistance and military training, and standing firmly with the Ukrainian people in defence of their very sovereignty.

Canada's support has also been reinforced on the world stage. At last year's G7 summit, leaders reaffirmed their united commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security, and Canada played a key role in advancing that collective response. Through coordinated sanctions, financial assistance and sustained military support, Canada continues to stand with Ukraine, alongside its closest international partners.

In Sophia Square last summer, standing with President Zelenskyy, we announced that Canada would provide more than $1 billion to strengthen Ukraine's defence, including drones, ammunition and armoured vehicles. In September, Canada stood in the United Nations with President Zelenskyy to call for Russia to return the thousands of illegally abducted Ukrainian children.

We are at a critical point in this war when the collective efforts of Ukraine and its partners have made the possibility of peace real. To secure a just and lasting peace, Canada is bolstering our support for Ukraine. This morning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced new measures to further reinforce Ukraine's defences and increase pressure on Russia.

Through Operation Unifier, the Canadian Armed Forces have trained over 47,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2015. Today, Canada renewed Operation Unifier for an additional three years until March 2029. Canada is also allocating a total of $2 billion in additional military assistance for Ukraine for the upcoming fiscal year, building on previous commitments to drones, ammunition and contributions to NATO's prioritized Ukraine requirements list.

Canada is also imposing sanctions against 21 individuals and 53 entities, as well as 100 vessels in the Russian shadow fleet. We have also lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil. These measures are aimed at restricting Russia's energy revenues and targeting the financiers of the war.

Lasting peace and real security will require strong, credible guarantees for Ukraine, because trust alone will not protect a nation fighting for its survival. We are determined to ensure that Russia will never again be in a position to threaten Ukraine or the peace and security of Europe.

Canada stands as a proud and active member of the coalition of the willing. Let me be perfectly clear: Our unity is strong and our commitment is absolute. We will stand with Ukraine, not only in this fight, but also in the work that follows to rebuild its cities, restore its infrastructure and support its people as they recover from this unjust, tragic and devastating war. Canada will remain steadfast in our commitment, in our partnership and in our defence of freedom.

So many Canadians, so many of our constituents, grew up in communities that were shaped by the contributions of Ukrainian families and neighbours. Their language, culture and traditions have long been woven into the fabric of our beautiful country. Ukraine's colours, blue sky over golden fields, symbolize peace and prosperity. They represent the horizon Ukraine once knew and the future its people deserve. That is what we are committed to protecting. That is what we must help restore and rebuild.

Last year on Ukrainian independence day, Canada's Prime Minister stood with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and made a solemn promise to the Ukrainian people. He stated that, at the end of this horrific war, “When peace comes [for Ukraine]—and it will come— Canada will be there.” That is because Ukraine's fight is our fight, their struggle is our struggle and their independence will be our victory.