House of Commons Hansard #89 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was veterans.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 Report stage of Bill C-15. The bill proposes changes to various laws, with opposition parties raising concerns. The NDP seeks to delete clauses related to the digital services tax, underused housing tax, and luxury tax, arguing these repeal measures the Liberals previously deemed essential. The Bloc Québécois criticizes proposed expropriation powers for the high-speed rail project and the elimination of the digital services tax, while Conservatives highlight amendments to limit ministerial powers to exempt entities from laws, which they call "King Henry VIII-style powers." 23300 words, 4 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The member for Richmond Hill South will be leading us in the singing of the national anthem today.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, Selkirk Avenue in Winnipeg Centre is home to some of the most vibrant community organizations, but it is also home to some of the highest instances of violence and disappearances of indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The North End Women's Centre is located right at ground zero of this crisis.
Particularly since the pandemic, its staff have reported an increase in gender-based violence. To answer these escalating challenges, the centre has applied three times for federal funding to expand its drop-in centre programming spaces and transitional housing units, something I have repeatedly written to the government to support. The government has left the centre without any indication as to whether it will fund these desperately needed supports.
We cannot wait when lives are on the line. I urge the government to act immediately to fund the North End Women's Centre and uphold community health and safety in Winnipeg Centre.
Ernie Klassen Liberal South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, in Canadian communities, Coldest Night of the Year 2026, to support the hurting, hungry and homeless, is on the final stretch of its annual campaign. On Saturday, I will be walking alongside community members in support of Sources, an organization that has been providing help, encouragement and hope to people who are experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
For me, this walk is about showing up. It is about reminding people that they are not invisible and that their community cares. I have been honoured to be the top fundraiser for two years and the leading fundraiser in the region for six years, thanks to the generosity and dedication of my teammates and donors.
I encourage all colleagues in the House to take part in the Coldest Night of the Year. It is free to join. Simply register to walk, start a team, or donate to my team. This weekend, send a simple but powerful message: in Canada, we care about each other.
Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about a young man from Saskatoon's Hampton Village, Tyrell Harder. Tyrell is the kind of neighbour who quietly makes our community stronger simply by showing up and serving others.
Raised right here in Saskatoon West, Tyrell is a proud graduate of Bedford Road Collegiate. For years, he has volunteered at the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament, giving his time so young athletes can compete, learn teamwork and build confidence. Tyrell has also worked and volunteered at Redberry Bible Camp, helping to create a positive, safe and welcoming environment for kids and families.
When our community needs engaged citizens, he steps up, volunteering during civic elections and as a campaign volunteer for me. He brings energy, reliability and a great attitude to everything. Today, Tyrell is working at the City Centre Church, helping the less advantaged. He does not look for recognition. He looks for ways to help. I am grateful for Tyrell's service, and I hope his example inspires others. We all need more Tyrells in our life.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor Liberal Moncton—Dieppe, NB
Mr. Speaker, former mayor George LeBlanc, who passed away on February 3 after a long illness, was a leader in every way. We saw it through his charity work with great organizations like the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation, The Moncton Hospital, Moncton Headstart and Moncton Youth Residences, to name just a few.
We saw it in his two decades serving on city council and, for eight of those years, being the mayor. Mayor LeBlanc led our city through an unprecedented building boom in our downtown, which still continues today. When a shooting rampage rocked our normally peaceful community, George articulated our grief and our strength to the nation. George LeBlanc led by example, with his honesty, his empathy and his quiet resolve to always make our city better.
I want to offer my deepest condolences to his wife Kathy, his son Jordan, his daughter Brittany, his grandchildren and also his extended family and friends. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Eric Duncan Conservative Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Canadian radio legend Lowell Green. Lowell started at Ottawa's CFRA in 1960, and by the time he retired over 50 years later, he had become North America's longest-running open-line talk show host.
Lowell will be remembered for promoting “common sense“ and his “island of sanity”, but it was not just the on-air achievements that made Lowell who he was. It was the many causes that he championed over the years. From launching a campaign to save the Centennial Flame here on Parliament Hill and a unity rally ahead of the 1995 referendum to being a co-founder of Big Brothers in Ottawa and the Help Santa Toy Parade, he truly made a difference in the lives of many people. He was awarded numerous accolades over the years by his peers, legions, Lions Clubs and other groups.
We lost Lowell this month at the age of 89. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his colleagues as we mourn and celebrate a life well lived.
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark Black History Month, a time when we come together to recognize the powerful contributions, resilience and legacy of Black communities across Canada and throughout the world.
On Monday, in my riding of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, we took some time to discuss, reflect on and honour Black brilliance across generations, from today's nation builders to tomorrow's visionaries.
This month, schools, organizations and communities are coming together to share stories, highlight achievements and deepen our understanding of Black history in Canada. These celebrations are not only about the past. They are about building a future rooted in dignity, opportunity and shared progress.
Let this month be more than a commemoration. Let it inspire us to listen, to learn and to act. Let us honour the legacy of Black Canadians by advancing the work still before us and by ensuring that every person in every community can thrive.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, Ellianna Makanalani, my granddaughter, will be born in a few short months into a world where human thought has become mechanized.
Every day now, I wonder about the unique challenges she will experience because of it, what the societal impact will be and whether the value of the data she produces will come to outweigh the value of her labour. I wonder about the insecurity of knowing that thinking machines could bring automated war, the impact of the consolidation of wealth and power into the hands of the few who own them, and the blurring of what it means to be a human if humanity comes to rely on machines to reason for us.
I stand here today to warn my colleagues in this place that these are issues we cannot afford to ignore, and I pray that we will find a path for my granddaughter's generation that brings them peace, prosperity and justice. May they forgive us if we do not.
Chi Nguyen Liberal Spadina—Harbourfront, ON
Mr. Speaker, as we welcome the Lunar New Year, I send my warmest greetings to the Vietnamese Canadian community and to everyone celebrating across my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront.
The year of the horse calls us forward with energy, renewal and perseverance. It is a time to gather with family, honour our elders and reflect values such as resilience, generosity, learning and service. In recent weeks, I have had the privilege of celebrating with Vietnamese communities, from the Vietnamese Association of Toronto and the Vietnamese Women's Association of Toronto to the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre's Lunar New Year celebrations and Small World Music's Chao Tet festival.
Each gathering reflects the pride, strength and cultural richness that Vietnamese Canadians bring to our country. As a proud daughter of this community, I remain deeply grateful to the generations whose sacrifices made greater representation possible. May this new year bring happiness, health and prosperity.
Chúc mung năm moi.
Chak Au Conservative Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are tired of new titles and moving offices. They do not want more announcements. They want results. They want homes.
The government now proposes another federal housing body, but we already have the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, infrastructure Canada, the Department of Finance Canada and the Canada Lands Company all working on housing, land and financing.
If all these agencies already exist, what exactly would the new body do that the others cannot? Would it build homes faster? Would it cut permits? Would it remove taxes like the GST on new homes? No, it would simply add overhead and administrative delays.
Housing affordability will not improve by multiplying paperwork. It is time for the Liberal government to cut red tape, get out of the way and let builders build.
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, another great actor has left us. Raymond Bouchard was a shining star in Quebec's cultural firmament. We will miss him more than words can say for his voice, his gift of the gab, and his generosity as an actor and as a person.
These extraordinary artists are irreplaceable. Every time we lose one of them, a wonderful era in Quebec's social and cultural history fades away little by little. It is sad.
Raymond Bouchard gave us unique characters like mayor Lesage in La grande séduction and Léo in La Florida. I am also thinking of his portrayal of Jacques Parizeau in the television series about Lévesque and his role as Paul Vézina in Scoop.
Raymond Bouchard was proud to be a Quebecker. Yes, he was a separatist, but above all, he was a great ambassador and a champion of the Quebec culture he held so dear.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as his fans, including myself.
I thank Raymond for everything.
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, I rise to recognize the important contributions of Black Canadians and the work of the Black Business Association of BC. Surrey is home to the largest black population in our province.
Black entrepreneurs are creating jobs, driving innovation and strengthening our economy, even as many face systemic barriers. Led by co-founders Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the Black Business Association of BC is addressing these challenges. Through programs that support market access, regulatory compliance and international trade, they help businesses grow and compete globally.
By investing in equity and inclusion, we invest in Canada's future and build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.
Today is Pink Shirt Day. Let us stand against bullying and stand together in kindness.
Jonathan Rowe Conservative Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, NL
Mr. Speaker, just this morning I had a phone call from a friend of mine. She is a teacher, a government worker, but life is so unaffordable that her Internet is about to be cut tomorrow because she cannot keep up with Liberal inflation. She is not the only one. According to an RBC poll, 64% of millennials are worried about their financial future under the Prime Minister.
Many Canadians are bankrolling their debt into mortgages. Mortgage debt has now reached $2.6 trillion. Unfortunately, millennials cannot do this, because they cannot afford a home. Nearly 60% of millennials do not even have enough money at the end of the month to pay their bills, let alone begin saving for a home.
Conservatives will continue to fight for an affordable Canada and a Canadian economy that creates powerful paycheques and lowers inflation so young people across our country can save for a home and save for a future.
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Speaker, as-salamu alaykum.
Across the country, Muslim communities are celebrating Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection.
I want to recognize the resiliency and generosity of Nova Scotia's Muslim communities, which demonstrate the strength that comes from unity and support.
I also want to highlight the important work of the Ummah Society, which recently received $1.2 million from our government's youth gang prevention fund. This program is focused on keeping at-risk youth away from a life of crime.
By providing mentorship and community resources, the gang busters project is helping to create safer, stronger communities for all of Nova Scotia.
I am proud to stand with Muslim communities and organizations like the Ummah Society during Ramadan as we work together for a more inclusive and safer Nova Scotia.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have created an immigration crisis that is straining housing, health care and jobs. As of January, non-permanent residents outnumbered unemployed Canadians, and the Liberals are expanding immigration streams that push our young people further away from employment.
Six million Canadians cannot find a family doctor, but taxpayers are now spending $1 billion per year to cover the health care costs of refugee claimants, and the government has no clear plan for the nearly three million temporary residents whose permits are expiring this year.
Canadians deserve a competent immigration minister. The immigration minister's own caucus is not confident in her ability to handle these out-of-control problems.
It is time for decisive action. Only with strong leadership can we protect Canadians, prioritize jobs for our youth and secure a sustainable future for our country.
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, this Black History Month, I want to pay tribute to the people who make my community of Alfred‑Pellan shine.
I want to thank Kardie Rosier, director of the Coumbite de Laval community centre, an organization that carries out essential work and is a true pillar of community support. I commend Ms. Rosier for her ongoing commitment to families and young people. I also want to acknowledge the involvement of Pastor Emmanuel Laurent and Father Claudel Petit-Homme, whose work helps reinforce social bonds and community wellness. I want to commend the invaluable contributions of Father Ronald Legerme and Marie Tessa Pierre, who provide help and support to those in need through their initiatives and dedication. I must not forget the outstanding commitment of Robert Alexandre, the most loyal friend and volunteer I could wish for. His perseverance and dedication are making a real difference in Alfred‑Pellan.
I want to thank all these people for their commitment. What a perfect reflection of Canada's multicultural mosaic.
Burton Bailey Conservative Red Deer, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian health care system is in crisis. Six million Canadians do not have a family doctor, and wait times have doubled over the past 10 years.
However, rather than putting Canadians' health first, the Liberal government's interim federal health program allows fraudulent and rejected asylum claimants to be bumped to the front of the line while Canadians pay for it. The Parliamentary Budget Officer says the IFHP will cost $1.5 billion annually to pay for supplementary coverage like vision, counselling and home care. These are things that Canadians do not receive, yet Liberals make them pay for it. The fraudsters are taking advantage of our generosity.
Veterans who served our country and young people battling mental health crises are offered nothing by the Liberal government, but rejected refugees get tax-funded psychologists and therapists. A nation that refuses to put its own citizens first is deeply disturbing.
I urge the Liberals to reflect on what kind of message their vote will send to Canadians on the—
Interim Federal Health ProgramStatements by Members
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Mr. Speaker, today on Pink Shirt Day, we stand together to send a clear message: Bullying in any form has no place in our communities.
Bullying has lasting impacts on mental health, academic success and overall well-being, affecting people of all ages. Our government will continue to invest in mental health supports such as Kids Help Phone, which provides immediate confidential support 24 hours a day. While these supports are essential, each of us can help foster a culture where seeking help is encouraged, stigma is reduced and kindness leads the way. Simple acts of compassion help build safer, more inclusive communities across Canada.
Everyone deserves to feel valued and supported and to know they have a safe space in our communities, because compassion and kindness are always stronger than hate.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, this week, the Prime Minister said, “We have the immigration system under control”, and his immigration minister said that her job is easy.
At the end of this year, there will be nearly three million people in Canada on expired or expiring visas. Last year, the Liberals managed to remove only 22,000 of them, and the Liberals are still issuing hundreds of thousands of new temporary work permits this year.
If the minister's job is so easy, what is her plan to get nearly three million people to leave?
Lena Metlege Diab LiberalMinister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, the job that I have is never easy. It is one of the toughest jobs in government, and the reason is that many Canadians and many people are looking to our government to control immigration and to keep it sustainable.
With regard to the temporary residents, we have targets and we have ranges. People who are on temporary status have the opportunity to extend. They also have the opportunity to use some of our permanent pathways. Otherwise, they are expected to leave.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, the immigration minister has been in her job for a year now, and since she was appointed, we have been hearing disgusting stories every other week about non-citizens convicted of serious crimes getting leniency in order to avoid deportation. The minister could have been lobbying her cabinet colleagues to make sure that laws are changed and that victims get the justice that they deserve, but she has done nothing.
If the Prime Minister wants to move at a scale and speed not seen in generations, why does he not just fire his failed minister now?
Lena Metlege Diab LiberalMinister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, my record of work on immigration speaks for itself. We are taking back control of the immigration system. We are returning immigration to sustainable levels. Our asylum levels are down by a third. The number of international students is down by a third. The number of temporary foreign workers is down by a half. We have exceeded our francophone immigration targets. We are bringing global talents. From July to October 2025, the population of Canada decreased slightly. We are on track, and we have met all our targets.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, the minister's record sure does speak for itself. In fact, 10 Liberal members of Parliament had comments on her record today. They were quoted in a CBC article saying what millions of Canadians already know: that the Prime Minister's immigration minister is not getting her job done. She will not take basic meetings, processing times have not been fixed and the asylum backlog has ballooned to 300,000 people under her watch. I have said it before, and I will say it again: She is a bad minister.
If the Liberal caucus does not even think she should have her job, why is the Prime Minister still defending her?
Lena Metlege Diab LiberalMinister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, we are building an immigration system that keeps Canada strong. That is our mission. That is our mandate. That is what Canadians elected us to do. That is what we will continue to do.
In June, we introduced legislation, Bill C-2, to protect the asylum system against sudden increases in claims. The Conservatives opposed it. In October, we brought forward new legislation, Bill C-12, that would protect our borders and strengthen the immigration system. The Conservatives have delayed it at every stage.
We are building an immigration system that is sustainable and that will keep Canada strong.