House of Commons Hansard #93 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-9.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Silver Alert National Framework Act First reading of Bill C-263. The bill creates a national framework for “silver alerts” to help locate missing seniors with dementia, requiring federal cooperation with provincial and law enforcement authorities to improve rapid response times during critical emergency situations. 200 words.
Jury Duty Appreciation Week Act First reading of Bill S-226. The bill establishes the second week of May as Jury Duty Appreciation Week in Canada, aiming to raise awareness, honor jurors, and address concerns regarding their mental health support and financial compensation. 200 words.
Motion That Debate Be Not Further Adjourned Members debate the Liberal motion to end the adjournment of debate on Bill C-9, which aims to address hate crimes. Conservatives accuse the government of overly broad legislation that threatens religious freedom and express concern over the removal of religious exemptions. The Minister of Justice defends the bill, pledging to add clarifying amendments protecting faith practices and arguing that Conservatives are obstructing proceedings for political gain. 5300 words, 35 minutes.
Consideration of Government Business No.6 Members debate Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, as the Liberal government pushes to pass legislation addressing rising hate crimes, arguing it provides necessary tools to stop harassment and intimidation at places of worship. Conservative MPs contend that existing Criminal Code provisions are sufficient, arguing that the bill’s removal of the religious defence creates a chilling effect on free expression. The Bloc Québécois supports the bill, emphasizing the need to close legal loopholes currently hindering the prosecution of hate speech. 19100 words, 2 hours.
Government Business No. 6—Proceedings on Bill C-9 Members debate a programming motion to accelerate the passage of Bill C-9, the *Combatting Hate Act*. Liberals argue the legislation is essential for protecting communities from rising hate crimes and intimidation. Conservatives express strong opposition, particularly to the removal of the good-faith religious defence, warning it could criminalize sacred texts and infringes on civil liberties. The House passes the motion, which restricts further committee debate and sets timelines for a final vote. 26200 words, 4 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Corrections and Conditional Release Act Second reading of Bill C-232. The bill, proposed by the Conservative Party, seeks to modify the Corrections and Conditional Release Act by mandating maximum-security confinement for dangerous offenders and serial murderers. While Conservative members argue the change restores balance for victimized families, opposing Liberals and Bloc MPs maintain that judicial independence and rehabilitative goals are essential, expressing concern that the legislation is overly rigid and potentially unconstitutional. 7500 words, 1 hour.
Food and Drugs Act Second reading of Bill C-224. The bill proposes amending the Food and Drugs Act to remove natural health products from the "therapeutic products" category, reversing 2023 budget legislation that Conservatives term regulatory overreach. While debate highlights concerns regarding freedom of choice and industry viability, proponents and opposing parties emphasize the necessity of maintaining consumer safety standards. The motion passed, referring the legislation to the Standing Committee on Health. 6100 words, 45 minutes.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to one petition. This will be tabled in an electronic format.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with DisabilitiesCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
Liberal
Bobby Morrissey Liberal Egmont, PE
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, entitled “Workers in the Seasonal Industry and the Employment Insurance Program”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with DisabilitiesCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, Conservatives respectfully submit a dissenting opinion on this report, highlighting the importance of not increasing EI premiums. At this time of high unemployment, especially high youth unemployment, our view is that we need to ensure that payroll taxes, which make it more difficult for businesses to create jobs, do not go up.
The government needs to clarify its position as to whether it stands with us in opposing payroll tax increases or whether it plans to further increase the taxes on job creation.
Raquel Dancho Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-263, An Act to establish a national framework for silver alerts.
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to introduce my first private member's bill, the silver alert national framework bill.
The bill is inspired by a tragedy in my community. Over two years ago, Earl Moberg, a beloved husband, father and grandfather living with dementia, went missing from his Winnipeg home in the winter of 2023. Despite extensive search efforts, he was never found and is presumed deceased.
When a vulnerable senior goes missing, every minute matters. By 2030, nearly one million Canadians are expected to be living with dementia, and the risk of serious injury or death rises dramatically if someone is not found quickly. Canada already has the infrastructure to issue rapid geotargeted emergency alerts, but we lack a coordinated national framework for silver alerts.
The bill would require the federal government to work with provinces and police to establish that framework so communities can be alerted quickly and more families would have the chance to bring their loved ones home safely.
I hope that all members of the House will support this important bill, and I encourage all Canadians who do to contact their local MP and urge them to support it.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Anju Dhillon Liberal Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC
moved that Bill S-226, An Act respecting Jury Duty Appreciation Week, be read the first time.
Mr. Speaker, good morning. I cannot express how meaningful this moment is for me. Having practised as a lawyer, and now speaking to one of the fundamental aspects of the criminal justice system, I am deeply moved to stand here today for Bill S-226, an act respecting jury duty appreciation week.
This incredible bill was first sponsored in the Senate by the hon. Senator Lucie Moncion. Thanks to her tireless efforts over the last few years, it passed third reading on February 10 of this year. Thus, I am able to sponsor Bill S-226 today in the House of Commons.
The bill would designate the second week of May each year as jury duty appreciation week across Canada. This week of appreciation is necessary not only to raise awareness but also to recognize and celebrate the people who serve on juries. Often vicarious trauma among them has been neglected. There are concerns about insufficient mental health supports being provided to them. There are also financial barriers, such as lost wages, not being adequately compensated for travel, child care and so forth. These financial impediments are also sacrifices they make.
This time of jury appreciation week is absolutely necessary across Canada. I have briefly outlined these important points that will bring a clearer understanding of what the bill means.
(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present a petition about an issue my constituents are concerned about, but the issue is actually on the other side of the country and relates to a proposed project that will affect the Tantramar marsh that is on the Chignecto Isthmus. For those who are not familiar with the Chignecto Isthmus, it is the very low-lying land mass that connects the rest of Nova Scotia to the mainland of Canada. It is under extreme threat from climate change.
Since the 1980s, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identified that this area was particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. In other words, we could lose Nova Scotia's connection by land to the rest of Canada, which would have a multi-billion-dollar impact for sure.
The petitioners note that there is currently a project that is moving toward federal approval for the Centre Village, New Brunswick, gas plant under the company's name, Proenergy, the RIGS project. Given the significance of this area, in terms of both its biodiversity and its critical importance to Nova Scotia and all of Canada, the petitioners are calling for a full independent environmental and climate impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act, and for the designation of the Chignecto Isthmus, including the Tantramar marsh, as a federally protected area. They are also looking for enforcement of all the laws that protect the biodiversity and the ecosystems of this area.
Members will remember Bill Casey, who used to be the member of Parliament for that area. He raised this issue frequently as well.
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present in the House today a petition signed by 1,058 Canadians, related to a very sad chapter in Canadian history. Members will remember that about eight years ago, our former prime minister Justin Trudeau rose in the House to apologize for the treatment of Jewish refugees in the Second World War, including the refusal for the MS St. Louis to dock in Canada, sending 900 Jews back into Nazi-occupied Europe. They were fortunately given refuge, but with the start of the Second World War, many of them were actually killed.
The petition relates to Jewish refugees who were sent here from the U.K. who were actually interned, some of them alongside Nazis, for up to three years during the war. The petition asks for us not only to educate Canadians as to this and for the government to devote money to education but also to install proper commemorative plaques at all the nine different sites where Jewish refugees were interned for up to three years, and to do outreach programs to high schools, etc.
At a time of rising anti-Semitism, this is a very important initiative, and I will work with them to do this.
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am tabling two petitions.
First, I am pleased to present a petition signed by the great law-abiding, family-loving property owners of my riding of Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke. The law-abiding petitioners are calling on the Liberal government to immediately amend section 35 of the Criminal Code of Canada to enshrine the fundamental right to the inviolability of one's home, also called the castle doctrine, for all Canadians.
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have another petition, presented by the freedom-loving residents of the great Conservative riding of Markham—Unionville, who up until recently have been left without a proper voice to raise this serious issue in the House.
The petitioners are calling on the government to immediately denounce the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong, oppose sanctions against the CCP and take stronger measures to protect practitioners in Canada and around the world and against CCP's brutal global campaign to silence and ultimately eradicate Falun Gong.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, petitioners in Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford are concerned about Bill C-9, which would amend the Criminal Code to address hate propaganda and hate crimes. The Liberals are proposing an amendment to remove the religious exemption from the Criminal Code that protects good faith expressions of beliefs based on religious texts.
Therefore, the petitioners and permanent residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to reject any amendment to Bill C-9 that would remove the religious exemption from Canada's hate speech provisions, to protect Canada's constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression and ensure that legislation does not criminalize good faith, religious discourse or teaching.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am presenting two petitions.
First I rise in support of the Conservative petition regarding the flawed amendments the Bloc and Liberals are proposing to Bill C-9. If passed, they would put religious freedoms of Canadians in jeopardy.
The residents of Abbotsford—South Langley have voiced their concerns regarding the development of how this may restrict their freedoms. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly states in sections 2(a) and 2(b) that freedom of expression and freedom of religion must be preserved and are crucial to Canadian society.
Therefore, the petitioners call on the government to protect religious freedoms and uphold the right to read and share sacred texts.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition, which I am tabling on behalf of the good citizens of Abbotsford—South Langley who are deeply concerned about the proposed changes to the salmon allocation policy that would decimate regular recreational fishing opportunities for coho and chinook in British Columbia.
Constituents are calling for the Minister of Fisheries to leave the current salmon allocation policy alone to uphold the cultural rights and traditions of all British Columbians.
Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB
Mr. Speaker, in the petition I am presenting today, petitioners are recognizing that the Government of Canada intends to expand medical assistance in dying to individuals whose only medical condition is mental illness. Mental illness is treatable, recovery is possible and experts agree that it is currently impossible to predict when a mental illness is truly irremediable.
Expanding MAID in this way risks suggesting that some lives are beyond saving, while many Canadians still struggle to access timely and effective mental health care. The petitioners say that families and communities are concerned that people who would recover through treatment and support may instead lose their life, and they are asking the Government of Canada to pass Bill C-218 to stop the expansion of MAID to people whose sole underlying condition is mental illness.
I support the petitioners.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise on behalf of concerned Canadians in my riding of Elgin—St. Thomas—London South and across the country who are registering their incredible frustration and concern with Liberal Bill C-9 and its erosion of freedom of expression and freedom of religion, specifically with the Liberal-Bloc amendment to remove long-standing protections for religious speech.
Petitioners are very much calling on the Liberal government to withdraw this divisive and toxic bill; to state firmly that it will always stand up for religious freedom, including the right to read and share sacred texts; and to prevent government overreach into matters of faith.
I hope the Minister of Justice, who is in the chamber, takes heed of these concerns, which have been coming in by the tens of thousands. I submit them herewith.
Terry Dowdall Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the great people in Clearview Township in Simcoe—Grey. We are very supportive of our military. In fact, Base Borden is located within my riding, but the concern is over the site and location of a phase one, over-the-horizon radar system that is right beside the Minesing Wetlands and is also prime agricultural land.
The residents are concerned with the purchase of the first site, which is 750 acres. The second site is up to 3,000 acres. The landowners are not interested in selling around that area. They are pushing for other locations that we feel could be better, not only for the residents but also for the military itself. It is a very busy area.
I present this petition on behalf of the petitioners and their concerns that it is prime farmland that is going to be gone. We talk all the time in the House about food security, so there are other locations that, we stress, would be a lot better.
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Richmond Hill South and tens of thousands of petitioners who signed this petition who are concerned about Iranian regime-linked harassment and intimidation occurring on Canadian soil, endangering Canadians of Iranian heritage and of all backgrounds.
The petitioners are calling on the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada to expand and rigorously enforce targeted sanctions against leaders and enemies responsible for repression; fully implement the IRGC listing through investigations, asset freezes, seizures and prosecutions where warranted, and strengthen immigration and inadmissibility screening to prevent entry by regime officials and their affiliates and family members; direct federal law enforcement and security agencies to investigate foreign interference, transnational repression and money laundering linked to the regime in Iran and to protect Canadians from intimidation; ensure that the foreign influence transparency and accountability regime in Canada includes meaningful penalties and strong enforcement; swiftly implement a robust foreign agent registry to keep Canadians safe; work with international partners to pursue independent investigations and accountability for the mass killings and abuses during the January 2026 crackdowns; and, finally, expel and remove from Canada individuals acting as agents of the regime in Iran.
Warren Steinley Conservative Regina—Lewvan, SK
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of the thousands of Canadians who have called in to MPs' offices in regard to Bill C-9.
Bill C-9 would amend the Criminal Code to address hate propaganda and hate crimes, but the Liberals are proposing an amendment to remove the religious exemption that protects good-faith expression of beliefs based on religious texts. Removing this exemption would criminalize Canadians for expressing sincerely held religious beliefs, undermining freedoms guaranteed by the charter. This change could lead to legal action against clergy, educators and individuals for quoting or teaching from sacred texts without malice.
Therefore, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to reject any amendments to Bill C-9 that would remove the religious exemption from Canada's hate speech provisions, protect Canadians' constitutional rights to freedom of religion, and express and ensure that legislation does not criminalize good-faith religious discourse or teaching.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to table a petition from my constituents in Winnipeg Centre, who are expressing their concern with the government's ongoing violation of international law by its refusal to close the loopholes in Canada for weapons exports that enable Canadian-made arms to be used for war crimes and genocide. My constituents call on the government to close this loophole by voting in favour of Bill C-233, the no more loopholes act, which MPs will vote on this week.
I will always support my constituents in upholding international law, which is why I encourage all members in the House to say yes to Bill C-233. I join my constituents in demanding that the Liberal government do the same.
Scott Anderson Conservative Vernon—Lake Country—Monashee, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who would like to see Bill C-9 withdrawn.
Given the atrocious record of this Liberal government in overstepping its bounds, given the Emergency Act and freezing bank accounts, these Canadians are asking what exactly is preventing this government from expanding its powers under the bill, just to squash dissent. Therefore, the petitioners are calling on the Liberal government to withdraw Bill C-9.
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in the House today on behalf of the citizens of Cambridge, who are asking that Bill C-9 be withdrawn to protect religious freedoms, uphold the right to read and share sacred texts and prevent government intrusion into their faith.
Kurt Holman Conservative London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of the people of London—Fanshawe and the many Canadians who are concerned about Bill C-9.
Canadians are concerned with regard to the amendments to Bill C-9, which could be used to criminalize passages from the Bible, the Quran, the Torah and other sacred texts. Freedom of expression and freedom of religion are fundamental rights that must be preserved.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, 354 different Muslim organizations have signed a letter underlining their opposition to Bill C-9. They note that Bill C-9, as currently drafted, would present serious harms to the civil liberties of Canadian Muslims and Canadians who are raising their voices about human rights.
As I table this petition highlighting the opposition of petitioners to Bill C-9, it is important for the government to understand and not misstate the strong opposition from many different communities. There are serious concerns from the Christian community, the Muslim community, the Orthodox Jewish community and many other faith communities about the removal of the religious defence.
The petitioners would like to see the government not move forward with this amendment. They would like to see Parliament protect freedom of expression and freedom of religion and recognize that these are fundamental rights. They would like the House to put a stop to this government overreach, which would undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings
