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.
Bill C-245 Canadian Multiculturalism ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-245.
The question is on the motion.
Bill C-245 Canadian Multiculturalism ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion lost.
I wish to inform the House that because of the deferred recorded divisions, the time provided for Government Orders will be extended by 38 minutes.
Maninder Sidhu LiberalMinister of International Trade
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the distinct honour of tabling, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the Promotion and Protection of Investments”, done at Abu Dhabi on November 20, 2025.
David McGuinty LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Japan Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology”, done at Ottawa on January 27.
Louis Plamondon Bloc Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel—Alnôbak, QC
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of tabling a petition today on recognition and support for family caregivers. These women and men play a vital role in supporting people with health conditions who are in the process of losing their autonomy or living with a disability. Their work eases some of the pressure on our health care system.
This petition is the outcome of a remarkable grassroots movement led by Geneviève Coutu of Sorel-Tracy, who I am happy to say is here in the gallery today. The petition gathered 13,035 electronic signatures and more than 3,600 paper signatures.
As a family caregiver of many years to her husband, who has Alzheimer's disease, she embodies the reality faced by so many families. The petitioners call upon the federal government to provide better recognition for caregivers while respecting the jurisdictions of the provinces, including Quebec. The Bloc Québécois fully supports these demands, and I invite all the parties to do the same.
CaregiversPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec
Before continuing with the tabling of petitions, I want to remind members and the dean of the House that members are not permitted to call attention to the presence of people in the gallery. Only the Chair may do so. I know that the dean is well aware of the rules of the House.
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Mr. Speaker, this is the first time in the 45th Parliament that I have risen to present a petition. I am presenting petition e-6685, signed by nearly 600 Canadians. This petition stems from the efforts of a great Canadian, a veteran, retired captain Jocelyn Démétré.
I know I am not supposed to recognize any individual in the gallery, so I will not recognize the former captain in the gallery. However, I can say that he is a veteran, that he has written a book and that he works on behalf of veterans.
The petitioners are pointing out that “Canada does not have any laws prohibiting contempt of the flag, as many countries do, such as France, the United Kingdom and Switzerland”. The petitioners are calling on the “Government of Canada to introduce a bill to protect our Canadian flag from any action that would destroy or desecrate the national flag without lawful excuse”.
Canadian FlagPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec
Before we continue with presenting petitions, I would like to issue another reminder. We cannot do indirectly what we cannot do directly. I know the member for Hull—Aylmer is well aware of the rules, as he previously served as Speaker of the House.
The hon. member for Riding Mountain.
Dan Mazier Conservative Riding Mountain, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to present a petition on behalf of the citizens of Riding Mountain.
I rise for the fourth time on behalf of the people of Dauphin, Manitoba, to present a petition on the rising rate of crime. Residents of Dauphin and the Parkland region are demanding that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on-crime policies, which have fuelled a surge in crime throughout their communities.
Since 2015, there has been a 54% increase in violent crime and a 75% increase in sexual assaults across Canada. Petitioners are deeply concerned by what they read in the local papers, including a report from last week that the Dauphin RCMP arrested three men in connection to a crime spree of multiple incidents, including theft and armed robbery, all in a single day.
The people of Dauphin and the Parkland region demand that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on-crime policies, which directly threaten their livelihoods and their community. I fully support the people of Dauphin.
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC
Mr. Speaker, the people of Gaspé have been without Via Rail passenger rail service for over 12 years, a service that is essential for our community. Passenger rail service supports the regional economy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps people get around. We are talking about 12 years of neglect by a Crown corporation that is largely funded with taxpayers' money and whose mandate includes connecting regions.
I am therefore very pleased today to present petition e-6922, which has been signed by 3,437 people. This petition calls on the federal government to urge Via Rail to immediately restore passenger rail service between Matapédia and Port‑Daniel‑Gascons and gradually restore passenger rail service to Gaspé as soon as possible. I am very pleased to reiterate their reasonable expectations here in the House.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Abbotsford—South Langley, who are increasingly concerned about the severe and ongoing flood risks facing our Abbotsford community.
These petitioners note that Abbotsford's low-lying geography along the Fraser River has led to repeated flooding that has caused millions of dollars in damage to homes, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure, while also disrupting vital supply chains far beyond our region. They warn against aging and inefficient flood protection infrastructure that is failing to meet today's realities, and point out that meaningful flood mitigation requires urgent investment; moderate, climate-resilient infrastructure guided by science; and community support.
The petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to take a seat at the table with the province and municipality, to invest in flood mitigation and monitoring, early warning systems and emergency preparedness for Abbotsford, and to deliver clear, actionable flood mitigation measures in the next federal budget.
Arpan Khanna Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise on behalf of petitioners from Oxford County who are concerned that the Liberal-Bloc amendments to Bill C-9 could be used to criminalize passages from the Bible, the Quran, the Torah and other sacred texts. The state has no place in the religious texts or teachings of any faith community, and freedom of expression and freedom of religion are fundamental rights that must be preserved.
They are calling on the Government of Canada to protect religious freedom, uphold the right to read and share sacred texts, and prevent government overreach into matters of faith.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise to present a petition from Canadians who are calling for urgent federal leadership on brain injury awareness, prevention and treatment.
The petitioners note that brain injuries can occur in many ways, from accidents to illness and strokes, and often result in serious physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects. They further point out that brain injuries are frequently linked with other challenges, including substance use and homelessness, creating additional barriers for those affected. It is estimated that 1.6 million Canadians are living with a brain injury today, yet there is still no federal coordinated national response.
The petitioners therefore call upon the Government of Canada to develop a national brain injury strategy to improve awareness and prevention and to ensure better access to treatment, rehabilitation and recovery supports for Canadians living with the impacts of brain injury.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, the petitioners wish to draw the attention of the House to findings from international conservation organizations that point out that when we have marine protected areas, and Canada has committed to having 30% protected, there is a positive effect. The petition describes this as a positive spillover effect, where neighbouring fishing areas have larger populations of fish, larger sizes of individual fish and better catches.
Petitioners are calling on the House to look at what Fisheries and Oceans can do to protect our fisheries, grow our fisheries through marine conservation areas and ensure the marine protected areas are expanded.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition from a number of constituents who are very concerned about the escalating attacks, kidnappings and killings affecting Christians and other communities in parts of Nigeria. These incidents have had devastating humanitarian consequences, including mass displacement of life, destruction of property and places of worship, and an acute insecurity for vulnerable populations.
The petitioners seek urgent and coordinated international action to protect civilians, uphold human rights and support peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, I also present a petition on behalf of 211 constituents who are concerned about Canada Post's announcement of the elimination of door-to-door service and postal services, which would impact seniors and rural parts of my constituency.
Terry Dowdall Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on behalf of the residents of Simcoe—Grey and, in fact, those all across the country.
The Department of National Defence purchased 700 acres off one farmer to build the over-the-horizon radar system. The people in the riding are not opposed to our military. In fact, they support the men and women. Base Borden is in my riding. However, they have concerns. This is prime farmland. In order to move to stage two, the department needs 2,600 more acres, which it will need to purchase off landowners who presently have no interest in selling. The petitioners have some deep concerns. It also follows along the Minesing swamp, so there are a lot of environmental issues on this particular land.
The residents are calling upon the Government of Canada to stop the building of any over-the-horizon sites on the already purchased property, prevent future acquisitions of prime farmland and the building of any over-the-horizon sites on the prime farmland of Clearview Township, and register the previously purchased property with the Ontario Farmland Trust.
We hear all the time in the House about the importance of food security. We understand national security. We just believe there are other sites available.
Jagsharan Singh Mahal Conservative Edmonton Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to table a petition on behalf of the constituents of my riding who want to force the Liberals to withdraw Bill C-9 and block the Liberal amendment that was passed in committee to remove the religious freedom defence clause from the Criminal Code.
The petitioners believe that the government is going to criminalize passages from the Bible, Quran, Torah and other religious texts. If allowed, it would prosecute those who deeply express their religious beliefs. Punishment for such a crime is up to two years. The state has no business in people's religious faiths, teachings and the beliefs that they hold deeply within their conscience. Therefore, the petitioners are seeking for the Liberals to withdraw Bill C-9, protect religious freedoms, uphold the right to read and share sacred texts, and prevent government institutions from interfering.
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today on behalf of the citizens of Cambridge to table a petition to withdraw Bill C-9. Petitioners request that the government uphold and protect freedom of religion and freedom of speech as these fundamental rights must be preserved.
Fred Davies Conservative Niagara South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of Canadians who are concerned about the contents of Bill C-9 and its assault on religious freedom. Their fear is that Christians and other religious individuals who believe in the Bible will be told they are engaging in criminal activity.
On behalf of these citizens, I urge the government to withdraw Bill C-9 and protect religious freedom in Canada.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand at this time, please.
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings