House of Commons Hansard #88 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was benefits.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Opposition Motion—Interim Federal Health Program Members debate a Conservative motion to review the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), citing its quadrupled cost and projected rise to $1.5 billion by 2030. Conservatives argue the IFHP provides deluxe benefits to failed asylum claimants, while Canadians face healthcare crises. They propose restricting benefits to emergency care and expelling foreign criminals. Liberals condemn the motion as divisive and fearmongering, highlighting government reforms like copayments and Bill C-12. Bloc and NDP members oppose the motion, stressing federal processing backlogs and humanitarian obligations, while criticizing Liberal copayments. 47500 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Similarities Between Bill C-2 and Bill C-12—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on a point of order concerning the similarity of government Bills C-2 and C-12. The Speaker allows Bill C-2 to proceed due to its broader scope, despite acknowledging extensive overlap. 1000 words, 10 minutes.
Sergei Magnitsky International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Act Second reading of Bill C-219. The bill strengthens Canada's sanctions regime against human rights abuses, foreign corruption, and transnational repression. It seeks to define transnational repression, ban sanctioned officials' family members, and revoke broadcasting licenses for state-controlled media from regimes committing atrocities. While supported, Members express concerns regarding the safety of political prisoners' families and administrative burdens, aiming for amendments in committee. 7400 words, 1 hour.
Black History MonthStatements by Members
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
This is an unfortunate interruption. One can hear very well on the audio and on TV.
We will let the hon. member take it up. I will not tolerate that kind of interruption again, whether there is too much noise or somebody passes in front of the camera.
From the top, please, the hon. member for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes.
Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canada has a long and painful history of forced and coerced sterilization, particularly affecting indigenous peoples. For decades, individuals were subjected to permanent procedures without their informed consent, including in residential schools and in northern and remote communities.
While many believe this practice belongs to the past, it does not. Survivors continue to come forward today, sharing experiences of pressure, coercion and procedures performed without their consent.
I am proud to sponsor Bill S-228, introduced by Senator Yvonne Boyer, which will clarify in the Criminal Code that performing a sterilization without consent constitutes aggravated assault. This legislation will strengthen accountability and affirm that reproductive autonomy is a fundamental human right.
I want to recognize the courageous survivors who are in Ottawa this week, whose advocacy has brought this issue to national attention.
I ask that all members support Bill S-228 and help to ensure that this injustice never happens again.
Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, four years ago, Russia launched its unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This war remains a serious humanitarian crisis.
On Saturday, in Montreal, I attended the Global Rally for Ukraine in frigid temperatures. We gathered in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We stood against aggression and annexation, to protect children and to keep families together.
My thoughts, along with those of the Ukrainian families, are with the wives and children whose husbands and fathers stayed to fight on the front lines.
They are there defending Ukraine. This is a just cause.
I say to Ukrainians in Canada and across the world, their resilience and bravery inspire.
Canada will stand with them.
We stand for accountability and for a lasting peace grounded in justice, fairness and international law.
Dyakuyu.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to draw the House's attention to an initiative that I undertook in my riding to help people learn more about fraud and cybercrime, a reality that directly affects many families. According to data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, between 2020 and 2024, more than 2,100 incidents of fraud were reported in Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles. The most common forms of fraud were identity fraud, extortion, theft of personal information and phishing. Financial losses have risen significantly, reaching nearly $3.5 million in 2024, which shows the severity of the problem.
Given these concerning figures, I felt it was essential to provide people with clear, solid and local facts, along with some simple tips on how to better protect themselves, particularly when using credit and debit cards and dealing with online fraud. The response from my constituents has been very positive. Many of them told me that the information was useful and relevant and that it helped them to better understand the risks and take preventive action. Seniors and families in particular told me that they felt better informed and more confident. This initiative shows that accessible information supported by local data can really make a difference on the ground.
Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, February 2026 is the 30th anniversary of Black History Month. This year's theme is the legacy of generations over time.
Fittingly, I wish to acknowledge the role of Althea Seaman, who was born in Dominica. She was truly a pioneering member of Laval's Black community. She belonged to one of the first families to settle in our region in the 1970s. In 1983, Ms. Seaman founded the Ville Laval Black Community Association to build a network of solidarity and foster intercultural exchange. Over time, she even became an ambassador who connected francophone and anglophone Black communities.
Today the House of Commons acknowledges Ms. Seaman's resilience, courage and legacy—
Althea SeamanStatements by Members
Shelby Kramp-Neuman Conservative Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, ON
Mr. Speaker, February is Heart Month, a time to focus on the health of our own hearts and to stand in solidarity with families affected by heart conditions, including congenital heart defects. It is a reminder that heart health begins with everyday choices. Small, consistent steps can play a powerful role in prevention and long-term wellness.
At the same time, we recognize those affected by congenital heart defects. Medical advances have transformed survival and quality of life, yet many families still navigate complex surgeries, specialized care and lifelong monitoring. We also honour those families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a child due to these conditions.
Let us embrace both prevention and advocacy, caring for our own hearts while championing those whose paths began with unique challenges. With knowledge, healthy living and collective resolve, we can stand beside one another, honour every family's story and, together, work toward healthier hearts for all.
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Speaker, this month, east and southeast Asian communities in Canada and around the world are celebrating Lunar New Year, one of the most important traditions across many cultures.
This year, 2026, marks the year of the fire horse, a rare occurrence that comes just once every 60 years. The horse symbolizes energy, determination and freedom. The fire element is said to amplify these traits, bringing passion, intensity and transformative momentum to the year ahead.
Yesterday, I welcomed members of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino communities to Parliament Hill to celebrate this special occasion. I thank my colleagues who made the event special.
Lunar New Year concludes with the lantern festival on March 3. May the light from the lanterns bring health, happiness and prosperity to all.
Xin nian kuai le. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. Chúc mung năm moi. Jyun siu zit fai lok.
Kelly DeRidder Conservative Kitchener Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, two-tiered health care policies that reward non-citizens who have no legal right to be here, rejected asylum seekers, are unfair to everyone. That is why the Conservatives have proposed an opposition motion to restrict health benefits for failed asylum claimants to emergency life-saving care.
It is not fair to anyone to have taxpayers paying for premium benefits like vision care and physiotherapy for failed asylum claimants, while seniors in Kitchener have a hard time getting home care or nursing care, while people across Canada struggle with their mental health and need support, and while disabled persons are living in poverty.
It is time to restore fairness to Canada's health care system. I encourage all people in the House to support our motion.
Symphonie vocale de la Fraternité des policiers et policières de MontréalStatements by Members
Bloc
Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the Symphonie vocale de la Fraternité des policiers et policières de Montréal, the Montreal police choir.
Since 1956, this unique choir, made up exclusively of active and retired police officers, has been touching hearts with the power of its voices and the depth of its commitment. For seven decades, it has used music as a language of unity, emotion and friendship. Over the years, the choir has given numerous performances for community organizations and events, particularly at seniors' residences, at formal or festive ceremonies, and at funerals for members of the police force.
I would like to highlight the remarkable contribution of musical director Rolland Côté and pianist Denise Roy, whose passion and professionalism have shaped the excellence of this ensemble.
As it enters its 70th year, I offer my congratulations to the Symphonie vocale de la Fraternité des policiers et policières de Montréal and wish it continued success.
Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON
Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is not only a time to look back. It is a call to build forward. As we mark 30 years of its recognition in Canada, we are reminded that celebrating Black excellence must go hand in hand with expanding opportunities. This year's theme, “From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries”, speaks to this continuum. The entrepreneurs, community leaders and advocates shaping our economy today are laying the foundation for the next generation.
This is why this Saturday in Pickering—Brooklin, we will gather for our Black entrepreneurship forum, a space dedicated not only to dialogue but to connection, capital and concrete opportunity. With the participation of the Secretary of State for Small Business, the focus will be clear: ensuring Black-owned businesses can access the tools they need to grow, scale and thrive.
Together, through partnership and purposeful investment, we honour those who built before us and empower those who will lead next.
Roman Baber Conservative York Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, Toronto-area home builders reported the worst January on record since 1981. Last month, only 269 new homes were sold in the city of Toronto. The slump in new-home sales has lasted longer than the downturn of the 1990s.
Because of these Liberals, the dream of home ownership is gone for many Canadians. We already know that the Liberal housing plan is dead on arrival. That is because, according to CMHC, new housing starts will drop every year for the next three years. However, instead of getting government out of the way to build new homes, the Liberals are building a fourth government housing agency. Count them: the Department of Housing, CMHC, Canada Lands Company, and now Build Canada Homes, a fourth bureaucracy to employ Liberal cronies.
Instead of building another government agency, the Liberals can adopt our Conservative plan to take the GST off all new construction and for all new homebuyers, so Canadians can afford to buy a home.
Jean-Yves Duclos Liberal Québec Centre, QC
Mr. Speaker, between February 14 and 22, Quebec City really came alive thanks to the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges, the largest winter sports event in the country.
For over 20 years, this event has served to showcase Quebec's capital region thanks to a dedicated team, hundreds of volunteers and strong partners. I would like to acknowledge the spokespersons for this year's event, Olympic champion Alex Harvey and Lyne Bessette, a great athlete and former member for Brome—Missisquoi. I am also proud that Canada Economic Development has been supporting this event for several years now and has been helping to promote it across the country.
To wrap up, I would like to sincerely thank the founder of the event, Jean-Charles Ouellet, who was also my high school gym teacher and whose vision of shared enjoyment through physical activity continues to inspire our community.
Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB
Mr. Speaker, 57% of millennials say they have little to no money left over after paying monthly bills, according to the 2026 RBC financial independence poll. That is more than a statistic; it is a giant blaring warning signal. Young Canadians are not just postponing vacations or cutting back on luxuries. Many are struggling to put food on the table, let alone save for their futures.
The Liberals blame global events for rising food prices, yet 70% of the food we eat is produced right here in Canada. Therefore, it is excessive regulation, inflationary spending and the industrial carbon tax that are driving up costs here at home across the entire supply chain, costs that are passed on to Canadians. This is a made-in-Canada problem, and food prices have risen more than twice as fast as our overall goods. Every trip to the grocery store is a reminder that something just is not working.
How expensive does food have to get before the Liberals stop strangling Canadian food production with red tape and punishing taxes?
Vince Gasparro Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the students from Lawrence Heights Middle School who are joining us in Ottawa from my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence.
At a time when our country needs engaged young people more than ever, it is inspiring to see students who are civically engaged and eager to learn about our democratic institutions. I thank Principal Stewart for her leadership and for fostering a strong culture of civic education. For the students visiting from Lawrence Heights, I hope this experience inspires many of them to one day serve our community.
The students will be celebrating Black History Month with the Children's Breakfast Club. Members are welcome to attend at 4 p.m. in room 330 of the Wellington Building.
Michael Guglielmin Conservative Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, fraudulent and rejected asylum claims are straining a health care system that millions of Canadians cannot fully access. The interim federal health program's costs have more than quadrupled in four years, from $211 million to $896 million, and they are projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2029.
At committee, we learned that providers are billing taxpayers up to five times the provincial rate for services to rejected claimants. Meanwhile, some six million Canadians lack a family doctor, yet failed claimants have supplementary benefits including vision care, benefits that many Canadians must pay for out of pocket. This is neither fair nor sustainable.
Conservatives are calling for limiting benefits for rejected claimants to emergency and life-saving care only. We are calling for full annual transparency to Parliament and the immediate removal of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes. Canada is a compassionate country, but it must first be fair to its own citizens.
Yvan Baker Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, today marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian people have been outmanned and outgunned, but they have shown tremendous courage in defending their homeland. Unable to win on the battlefield, Russia has resolved to pursue war crimes, including most recently trying to destroy the power grid to freeze millions of Ukrainians into surrender. They will never surrender, but they need our help.
For me, there are two reasons we support Ukraine. The first is that is the right thing to do. It is the moral thing to do. The second reason is that it is the right thing for Canada. If Russia wins, it will not stop at Ukraine, and NATO countries will be next. We know this because Vladimir Putin has told us so. That is why Ukraine's victory is vital to Canada's security. Canada has been a global leader in supporting Ukraine since 2022, with over $25 billion in support. I know that under the Prime Minister's leadership, that support will continue.
The Ukrainian people are not only fighting for their own freedom and security; they are also fighting for ours. We need to fight for them until they win, until we all win.
Slava Ukraini.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers are fed up with Liberal waste. After this Liberal Prime Minister doubled the deficit and drove up inflation, we are now seeing unconscionable waste: ArriveCAN, WE Charity and now Cúram. According to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the fact that 85,000 seniors are not getting their cheques is good news. A $5-billion cost overrun is good news.
Does the Prime Minister agree with his House leader that wasting money and depriving seniors of their cheques is good news?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to acknowledge that today marks the fourth anniversary of the beginning of Russia's unjustified and horrific war against Ukraine. Canada stands with Ukraine and we are sending more military and humanitarian aid today.
With regard to the Leader of the Opposition's question, as far as I know, the Cúram process started in 2017. The project was expanded to include other Canadian services, one of them being EI.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government has wasted $5 billion in cost overruns. Today, under the watch of this Liberal Prime Minister, 85,000 seniors are not getting their cheques and cannot buy food. The Prime Minister doubled the deficit, saying that he did not have enough money, but apparently he had enough to squander $5 billion.
What will the Prime Minister do to fix this Liberal scandal, protect taxpayers and make sure that our seniors get their cheques?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, as I just said, the previous government began this project with OAS. We broadened the project's scope, adding EI, the GIS and the CPP. All amounts have been budgeted for and this project has already been reviewed by the Auditor General.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Battle River—Crowfoot Alberta
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve good quality health care, but after a decade of the Liberal government, six million Canadians do not have a family doctor. Part of the reason is that mass, out-of-control, Liberal immigration has overwhelmed the system, and many of those resources are going to people who are here illegally and have been rejected. There has been a 1,000% increase in the cost of providing deluxe benefits to many people who are here illegally.
Will the Prime Minister reverse this policy, support our motion and put Canadians first for health care?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, yes, Canada is not America. Yes, Canada provides essential health care to everyone in this country. The increase in costs for the program referenced in the opposition motion is a result of the increase in applicants for that program.
Now, what has the government done? The government has taken back control of immigration. The government has reduced the number of temporary workers in this country by 50% and the demands of asylum seekers by one-third. We are—
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Battle River—Crowfoot Alberta
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the problem is that the government is not taking care of health care for the Canadian people. Six million people do not have a family doctor and 100,000 have died while on waiting lists since the Liberals unleashed out-of-control immigration. There are currently literally thousands of people who are waiting for procedures as we speak.
The Prime Minister claims he is getting it under control, but it is all an illusion. He is just another Liberal. There has been a 3,000% increase in refugee claims under his out-of-control system. Will he rein it in, support our motion and put Canadians first for health care?