House of Commons Hansard #79 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was help.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act Report stage of Bill C-19. The bill, Bill C-19, creates the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, amending the Income Tax Act to help low- and modest-income Canadians afford daily necessities. It includes a one-time top-up and a five-year, 25% increase to the GST credit, providing billions in support. While the Bloc Québécois and Conservatives will support the bill, they criticize the government for not including it in the budget and for not addressing the root causes of rising food prices, such as taxes and competition. 16200 words, 2 hours.
Criminal Code Second reading of Bill S-233. The bill amends the Criminal Code to make assault against health care workers and first responders an aggravating factor for sentencing. Proponents argue it provides necessary protection amid rising violence. While the Liberals state their Bill C-14 offers a broader approach, Conservatives accuse them of partisan delays. 8000 words, 1 hour.
Adjournment Debate - Finance Dan Mazier asks how much interest Canadians will pay on the national debt. Peter Fragiskatos cites the IMF's positive assessment of Canada's economy and urges support for budget 2025. Mazier argues that interest payments exceed healthcare transfers and questions the government's priorities, but Fragiskatos does not directly answer. 600 words.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The hon. member for Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna will be leading us in the singing of the national anthem today.
[Members sang the national anthem]
(Bill C-223. On the Order: Private Members' Business:)
January 28, 2026—January 28, 2026—Deferred recorded division on the motion of Lisa Hepfner (Hamilton Mountain), seconded by the Honourable Karina Gould (Burlington),—That Bill C-223, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK
Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations among the various party House leaders, and I believe, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practices of this House, Bill C-223, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, shall be deemed to have been read a second time on division and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Keeping Children Safe Act
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, bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Mr. Speaker, for the past 10 years, Aurora House has provided safe transitional housing and critical supports quietly, intentionally and necessarily from a confidential location in Beaches—East York for women and families who have experienced human trafficking, exploitation and gender-based intimate partner violence.
Operated by the Mennonite New Life Centre, Aurora House residents regain their footing with the support of a deeply dedicated team that provides trauma-informed care and the tools needed to heal and rebuild lives. However, the important work they do is at risk. As Erin Horrocks-Pope, project manager for Aurora House, put it, “As charitable giving declines and competition among many deserving organizations increases, the work they do has become, though no less critical, increasingly difficult to sustain.”
Late last year, Aurora House launched a new campaign: “Safety. Dignity. Stability.” It aims to raise $100,000 for urgent capital upgrades and to maintain operations that support families 365 days a year. I am confident our east-end community will step up to support Aurora House's life-saving work ensuring that women and children fleeing violence have a safe and dignified place to rebuild their lives.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Clarke, ON
Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on...in the bloodstream.” It has to be fought for. That is exactly what the brave protesters in Iran are doing right now.
It is hard, through the obscurity of Internet and telecommunications blackouts, to see exactly what is going on in Iran, but media and human rights organizations put the death toll at over 30,000. We simply cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that are occurring right now in Iran. A government that slaughters its own people is weak and pathetic and must be stood up against. That is why we all must stand unequivocally behind the people of Iran for their freedom.
Gurbux Saini Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to draw attention to a serious issue in Fleetwood—Port Kells. With the number of extortion cases on the rise, I met with constituents who shared their concerns about extortion and intimidation in Surrey. No one should live in fear for their safety or their livelihood. These acts undermine trust, threaten community well-being and place strain on those who are trying to build a better life.
I want my constituents to know that their voices have been heard. Addressing extortion requires strong co-operation between government and community leaders. I will continue working to support community safety and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, the voice of freedom is rising as the brave warriors roar like lions and shine like the sun, determined to reclaim their country and topple the murderous regime in Iran. Sometimes that voice is loud, as it was when 150,000 people filled the streets of Toronto demanding justice, accountability and human rights in the birthplace of modern civilization. Sometimes it is quieter, whispered in the candlelight vigils or carried in the silent prayers of those fearing for their loved ones at home.
We face a choice: We can answer the call for action or let it fall on deaf ears. The government has chosen inaction. I urge those fighting for freedom and democracy to keep going, everywhere around the world. The day will come when the regime falls and the Iranian people will be free to live in their homeland. Until then, we will not be silent, we will not look away and we will never stop fighting for a free Iran and for a strong Canada, free of the IRGC agents that they let into our communities.
Louis Villeneuve Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the House's attention to an important celebration taking place this year in my riding: the 150th anniversary of Cowansville, under the direction of its mayor, Sylvie Beauregard.
Founded in 1876, Cowansville is a vibrant community known for its spirit of innovation, community and civic engagement. Throughout the year, residents will be gathering to celebrate their history and the contributions of the previous generations that helped shape the town.
This anniversary is also an opportunity to remember an important event in our national history. In the 1960s, Bruck Mills, in Cowansville, produced the first prototypes of the Canadian flag that was officially adopted in 1965. This shows how important local contributions are to Canada's history.
I wish all residents of Cowansville a happy anniversary.
Mike Lake Conservative Leduc—Wetaskiwin, AB
Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago, Canada elected a new Conservative government led by former prime minister Stephen Harper. The Harper legacy is one of true progress. It was a government that cut virtually every tax Canadians pay. It negotiated a record number of trade deals that are more critical now than ever. It navigated a global economic meltdown guided by the world-leading Harper-Flaherty economic action plan. It introduced the Muskoka initiative, widely recognized as one of the most impactful G7-G8 initiatives of all time. It launched life-changing programs, such as the registered disability savings plan and the ready, willing and able employment program.
By 2015, Canada had a balanced budget and, according to the New York Times, the richest middle class in the world. Today, that era may seem like a distant memory, but the story of our strong, principled, Conservative legacy offers Canadians hope for a better future, guided by another strong, principled, Conservative leader. We have done this before, and we can do it again.
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, ALS is a progressive neurological disease with no cure. Nearly 4,000 Canadians are currently living with ALS, and each year about 1,000 more will be diagnosed, while another 1,000 will lose their lives to this devastating illness. An ALS diagnosis is life-changing for patients and their loved ones.
I recently met with my constituent, Christopher May, who was recently diagnosed. Despite the challenges ahead, Chris remains hopeful because Canada is home to world-class researchers and clinicians dedicated to improving treatment, care and outcomes for people living with ALS. We have the expertise and the capacity to lead. By strengthening national research efforts and supporting collaboration across institutions and sectors, we can accelerate discovery and expand access to clinical trials.
Investing in ALS research is an investment in innovation, in better health outcomes and in hope for families across the country. Together, we can work toward a future free of ALS.
Steven Bonk Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK
Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the finance minister promised Canadians he would stabilize food prices at his flashy grocery summit. Since then, prices have gone up significantly. Lettuce is up nearly 40%. Coffee is up 33%, and beef is up 27%. That is just to name a few items.
Canada is now leading the G7 in food inflation at 6.2%. It is now twice as high as it was when the Prime Minister took office and twice as high as it is in the United States, and it gets worse. Canadians are now making 2.2 million visits a month to food banks. These visits have doubled under Liberal governments.
Instead of working to reduce food costs, the minister is announcing yet another temporary rebate, giving some about $10 a week against grocery bills that are in the hundreds. The Liberals need to support our Conservative affordability plan, which would eliminate the industrial carbon tax and the Liberals' 17¢-a-litre standard fuel tax. It is time that the Liberals turned their rhetoric into results for Canadians.
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to celebrate the retirement of an Alouette who refuses to have his feathers ruffled. Marc‑Antoine Dequoy is retiring after leaving his mark on the Montreal Alouettes. Although he was a defensive back in the team that won the 2023 Grey Cup against all odds, the broader public recently got to know him better through his appearances on television. The charismatic Marc‑Antoine Dequoy, who also previously played for the Carabins, has shown that he is just as comfortable in the media as in the fourth quarter of a challenging game.
He was the Alouettes' ambassador to Quebeckers within a team that is making a real effort to promote the French language in a unilingual English environment. Of course, we cannot forget his impassioned plea during the Grey Cup, as he stood up for his team and for all Quebeckers. Having just won a Canadian championship within a heavily anglophone environment, he was very vocal in saying out loud what all francophones were thinking in a passionate speech that could have summed up Quebec's history: “Nobody believed in us, but look at us now! You can keep your English!”
Karina Gould Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, did members watch an NHL game last night or the House of Commons this past week? If so, they did so thanks to technology developed and built in Burlington, Ontario.
For decades, Evertz has helped shape how the world sees and understands major moments. The company has enabled news and live events to reach audiences in real time, and behind that success are about 1,800 Canadian workers whose expertise is in driving change across the industry. In January, I had the chance to tour its Burlington manufacturing facility and global headquarters to see first-hand how Canadian ingenuity, technology and skill are shaping the global media landscape. Evertz is Canadian first, a fully sovereign company, at a time when that matters more than ever.
To my colleagues in this place, every time they look into one of these cameras to speak to their constituents, they can know that they are doing so with technology developed and built in Burlington, Ontario.
Dalwinder Gill Conservative Calgary McKnight, AB
Mr. Speaker, three years ago the finance minister promised to stabilize food prices, but since then the price of lettuce is up 39%, coffee is up 33%, beef is up 27%, baby formula is up 13%, and even canned vegetables are up 12%. Canada now leads all G7 countries in food inflation and has over two million food bank visits each month.
Food inflation is twice as high as when the Prime Minister took office. The industrial carbon tax and the Liberal fuel standard tax are driving up costs on farm equipment, fertilizers, food processing and transport, and the bill is passed down to Canadians at the grocery store.
Since they have no real plan to lower food costs, will the Liberals vote for our motion to introduce a food affordability plan that eliminates the industrial carbon tax and the fuel standard tax?
Jake Sawatzky Liberal New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life and passing of my grandfather, Jacob Sawatzky Sr., whose story embodies the very best of Canada.
Born in Ukraine, he survived the Holodomor famine and Stalin's Great Terror, in which his father and many others in the family were killed. At 16 years old, he fled his village to find a new life. All he had was a bag of dry bread that his mother had given him.
My grandfather arrived in Canada alone, speaking no English and with little education. Canada gave him refuge, and he gave back. While working in a factory, he learned English, went back to school and earned a science degree from UBC. He then taught math and physics for nearly three decades, shaping generations of young Canadians.
Today, I wear my grandfather's old tie in the chamber as a tribute to his values. He was proud of his family and forever grateful for a country where he could build a new life.
Rest in peace, Jacob Sawatzky Sr.
He will not be forgotten.
Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are moving forward with their gun confiscation scheme, while at the same time the Public Safety Minister admits that he cannot explain the logic of his own policy. More than $700 million will be wasted, and he acknowledges that law-abiding gun owners are not the problem; criminals using illegal guns are.
The Trudeau Liberals promised fair compensation, but now the program is capped. Valuations are half what they were before, and only about 15% of the more than two million guns are actually expected to be compensated for.
This government continues to target the wrong people, despite the majority of Canada's provinces and territories and most law enforcement agencies officially rejecting any role in enforcing this misguided policy, meaning there is no one to even collect these guns.
Gun crime is up 130% while the Liberals fail to secure the border, reduce penalties for gun crimes and allow repeat offenders back on the streets. It is time for the government to scrap its wasteful, politically motivated, ideological program and invest in real public safety.
Sima Acan Liberal Oakville West, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to honour the life and legacy of Captain Stuart Campbell of the Oakville Fire Department, who passed away at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with occupational cancer.
Captain Stu served the Oakville community for more than 30 years, spending most of his career at the Bronte fire station. He served with pride, courage, compassion, unity and honour, showing an unwavering commitment to his brothers and sisters at the Oakville Fire Department. His passing is a reminder of the dangers and occupational risks that our first responders face in the line of duty, and our duty in turn is to ensure the safety of our first responders.
On behalf of the people of Oakville West, I thank Captain Stuart Campbell for his service and mentorship to the community. He will be remembered.
To Stuart's wife and his two daughters, and to all who loved him, I offer my deepest condolences. I want them to know that his service, sacrifice and legacy will never be forgotten by this community.
Richard Bragdon Conservative Tobique—Mactaquac, NB
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are a resilient people who believe that if they work hard, care for their neighbours and contribute to their communities, they should be able to build a good life.
Canadians are now feeling overwhelmed and weighed down, wondering how they will afford a home, put food on the table or plan for tomorrow, but hope is not lost. It is found in our foundations as a nation, in the shared values that bind us together, and in the enduring belief that a better country is built through hard work, good policy and steady leadership.
Conservatives are united by our belief in shared dignity and opportunity. We believe governments should let Canadians thrive. We need to let the farmers farm, let the producers produce and let the workers work. They are the very ones who helped build this country, and they will be key to our nation's comeback.
When the House puts forward serious, effective ideas that truly help Canadians, Conservatives will work in good faith to fast-track those results, because we believe in Canada, and we will always put our fellow Canadians ahead of politics.
Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, this February marks 30 years of Black History Month in Canada. We reflect on the historic barriers Black communities have faced in North America. We recognize the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement.
It is because of these men and women that we now have our fundamental rights and freedoms.
Today on Parliament Hill, we have many representatives from my riding: WIBCA, Youth Stars Foundation, Overture with the Arts, Playmas and many others.
I want to thank them for their contributions to our community. The leaders of these groups, like many others, are mentors for future generations.
They empower the next generation of Black leaders, and they pass on the legacy of the giants who came before them.
This work cannot be done alone.
I encourage everyone to participate.
Support and lift others up, and help youth dream big and reach their full potential.
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the current Minister of Finance made a firm and enthusiastic commitment to stabilize food prices. As it turns out, it was all a big show that did not amount to much. Today, the cost of groceries continues to rise, and the current Prime Minister said that he could be judged on grocery prices. Well, he has failed. Canada has the worst food inflation in the G7. Prices are not falling. His plan is not working.
Why should Canadians believe this Prime Minister, when the last Liberal plan led to the worst food inflation in the G7?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, today the House will likely decide to send a bill to the Senate that will provide up to $1,800 in support to Canadian families to help them cope with affordability issues, particularly with regard to food and essential goods.
We urged the official opposition to support us on this. We are very pleased that they saw fit to do so. Today is a historic day for affordability in Canada.
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, he says that today is a historic day for affordability. However, his GST credit is not going to lower the price of a single grocery item. That is not what making prices affordable is about. Making prices affordable is about lowering grocery prices. What they are going to do, and we agree on this point, is issue a coupon that amounts to the equivalent of $10 off a $300 family grocery bill. Most Canadians will not see a cent of that money.
This afternoon, since they seem to have run out of ideas, are they going to once again borrow from our Conservative agenda and vote in favour of our plan to make groceries affordable?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, we have good news today. In fact, the Conservatives are going to vote in favour of our plan to help ordinary people pay for their groceries. It is an important plan. It means that the most vulnerable families across the country are going to receive $1,800 each.
We want to thank the Conservatives for finally seeing the light and realizing that our plan works.
Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister promised three years ago that he had a plan to lower food prices. How is that working out? Since then, the cost of groceries has skyrocketed, with the price of lettuce up 40%, coffee up over 30% and the price of beef up over 25%. The recycled plan for a temporary rebate will not reduce the cost of a single item of food.
Their plan has failed, so why do the Liberals not support our food affordability plan to axe the industrial carbon tax, cut the fuel standards tax and boost competition in grocery stores to lower food prices for all Canadians?