Debates of March 10th, 2026

Consideration of Government Business No.6

[Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc, Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, since the start of the discussion on this subject and throughout today's debate, all the Conservatives have been loudly proclaiming that they are against hatred. What they are ultimately against, however, is the elimination of the religious exemption.

I am trying to understand why there should be an exemption saying hatred is okay if it is for religious reasons. No one should make hateful comments, but when it is under the guise of religion, it would be acceptable.

I am trying to understand what would justify placing religions above the law.

[Harb Gill, Conservative, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we are a faith-based people across Parliament and across this country. We need to let people practise their faith as they choose. We cannot go out to censor them and tell them to compromise their values and beliefs just because we do not like what they just said or what they just talked about. That is not the Canada we want to live in.

Iran

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP strongly condemns the U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Iran and the devastating impacts on civilians, including the deaths of children at school. This marks a dangerous and reckless escalation that risks plunging the entire region into catastrophic conflict, which will have global consequences, and there is no end game.

Make no mistake, the oppressive regime in Iran, with its human rights abuses and repression of its own people, is appalling. This includes reports of tens of thousands of killings during recent protests.

The Iranian people deserve democracy, peace and justice, and the future of Iran must be decided by Iranians themselves, but military strikes are not the answer. International law is clear under article 51 of the UN charter and under the International Court of Justice.

New Democrats oppose these attacks and call on the Prime Minister to condemn them, end any complicity through arms exports and make it clear that Canada will not participate in this war.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe, but it is that time of year once again. Thanks to an army of volunteers, led by Jay de la Durantaye, Ken Bell, Eileen McAleese, Lea Durocher and the entire team at the Soulanges Irish Society, our community of Vaudreuil will become Irish for the day at the 15th annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Hudson.

This year, our grand marshal, renowned Canadian comedian Derek Seguin, will lead the parade, which will feature our Irish person of the year, Geoffrey Kelley; parade queen Addie Derouin; princesses Caeleigh McDonald and Lisa Wilson; and reviewing officer, Rigaud's mayor, Charles Meunier.

As always, this is an event not to be missed. On Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m., we are all invited to Main Street to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. May the 15th annual St. Patrick's Day parade be an event to remember. Sláinte!

Medical Assistance in Dying

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, imagine someone is in a situation where they rely on public services, public services that they are entitled to, yet regularly, when they try to access those services, instead of receiving the help they need, someone suggests that they die.

For veterans calling Veterans Affairs Canada, people with disabilities seeking information about benefits, seniors and people living in poverty, accessing public services is now a minefield of bureaucrats suggesting that death might be a better option. These suggestions are traumatizing, and these suggestions are coercive.

We must not accept this as normal. It is not normal. That is why I put forward Bill C-260, the care not coercion act. This bill would prevent bureaucrats from proposing facilitated death to those who are not seeking it. Bill C-260, the care not coercion act, is a critical step toward protecting the rights of people to access public services without hearing a bureaucrat suggest that they die instead.

Anyone interested can find out more about it and read the stories of where this has happened at carenotcoercion.ca.

International Women's Day

[Marianne Dandurand, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am really proud of the many women in the Eastern Townships who are making a difference in many areas of their community. In honour of International Women's Day, I would like to share some of their contributions.

The first person who comes to mind is Annie Faucher, a city councillor in Sherbrooke. Annie is an accomplished entrepreneur who became an elected municipal official and continues to serve our community with remarkable courage while undergoing treatment for cancer.

The next woman I want to pay tribute to is Chantal Ramsay from the Centre local de développement du Haut-Saint-François. She supports local businesses with her outstanding knack for finding solutions and her unwavering commitment to economic development.

I also want to mention Caroline Sage, who has been instrumental in promoting tourism in the Eastern Townships. Her idea for Foresta Lumina has attracted a lot of attention to our area from all over.

Finally, Andrée‑Anne Fisette is the owner of Ferme St-Élie. She took over a farm that did not have a successor and turned it into a fun and welcoming place to learn about farming.

Today, I want to thank them for their commitment and for serving as an inspiration for our younger generations.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

[David McKenzie, Conservative, Calgary Signal Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada, even though it is preventable and highly treatable when caught early. We must make a critical shift in our health care policy to lower the standard screening age from 50 years to 45 years for average-risk Canadians. The medical evidence is clear that early-onset cases are rising, and catching this disease five years sooner will save Canadian lives.

My own brother is a colon cancer survivor, and eight years since a timely diagnosis and treatment, he is alive and well.

Today three cancer survivors, Melissa Groff, Michael Groves and Jennifer Eppel, are here in Ottawa to advocate for policy change. Together their voices turn statistics into stories and policy changes into hope.

To all Canadians, please get screened for colorectal cancer. This simple step can save one's life.

Housing

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, building Canada strong means taking concrete action to put a roof over everyone's head. That is why we are investing more than $6 million to support the construction of not six, but 31 housing units as part of the Habitation Palerme project in my riding of Alfred‑Pelland.

We have listened and we are taking action to build more homes and build them faster. Seniors, families, people living alone and vulnerable people deserve safe and affordable housing that is close to essential services.

This project is part of the rapid housing initiative, a federal program that is accelerating the construction of affordable housing to meet the most urgent needs. These investments will provide stability, dignity and hope for dozens of households. That is how we are building for the future.

Newfoundland and Labrador Athlete

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of one of Newfoundland and Labrador's greatest athletes, Brad Gushue. Not only is he a gold medallist and a bronze medallist, but he has also captured six Brier titles, a world championship, two Pan Continental Curling Championships and two world junior titles. He has also won the grand slam of curling 15 times.

After more than two decades representing Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada with pride, Brad recently curled the final game of his extraordinary curling career. His leadership, dedication and sportsmanship have inspired athletes right across our great nation.

I ask all members to join me in congratulating Brad Gushue on an incredible career, in thanking him for the pride he has brought to our country and in extending to him our best wishes for the next chapter of his life.

Iran

[Ali Ehsassi, Liberal, Willowdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the military situation in Iran. Once again, brinkmanship by the ayatollahs has plunged Iran into war. Innocent Iranians are caught in the crossfire of a war they are not responsible for, as it is not of their making.

After the trauma of witnessing the regime butcher tens of thousands of innocent protesters, Iranians are now contending with war. Let us hope that this will end swiftly and lead to the end of this odious regime. Iranians, Canadians and the world want to see an end to 47 years of theocracy. However, civilians on the ground in Iran and their relatives in Canada can simultaneously fear the mullahs and the bombs raining down from the skies.

These are hopeful but perilous times. May the brave people of Iran finally experience what we take for granted in Canada, peace and freedom.

In conclusion, if the hon. members know any Iranian Canadians in their ridings, it would be a good time to check in.

Serious Road Accident in Beauce

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Beauce was deeply shaken by a serious accident involving a bus carrying a group of young cadets.

Sadly, Xavier Landry Rousseau, a 13-year-old cadet from Scott, unfortunately lost his life. Several other teenagers were injured, some seriously. This tragedy has devastated families, loved ones and the entire community, including the greater cadet family. In these difficult times, our thoughts are with the young boy's family, the injured teens, and all the cadets, officers and instructors affected by this tragedy.

I also want to acknowledge the first responders, police officers, firefighters and medical staff for their outstanding work and quick response. On behalf of the people of Beauce, I offer my deepest sympathy to Xavier's family, the young cadets, their loved ones and the entire Beauce community.

Natural Resources

[David Bexte, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians cannot control what happens overseas, but we can control the policies here at home that are making life less affordable. Right now, higher oil prices should be a huge opportunity for Canada. We are blessed with the fourth-largest oil reserves in the world, and our allies are asking for reliable energy.

Instead of Canadians' getting resources to market, the Liberals keep putting up roadblocks and excuses. They have not approved a single new pipeline to tidewater, and the much-touted Major Projects Office, which was supposed to speed things up, has not approved a single project. Maybe if a pipeline had Liberal insiders connected to it, like a certain wind farm in Nova Scotia, or even Brookfield, the government would actually care about getting it built.

The Liberals' industrial carbon tax is driving investment out of Canada, and to make matters worse, they are raising the tax. Canadian Natural recently paused an $8.25-billion project in Alberta because of destructive Liberal policies. Canada should be powering our economy and supplying energy to our allies, so why will the Liberals not get out of the way and scrap the anti-development laws?

Paralympic Athlete from Newfoundland and Labrador

[Paul Connors, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional Canadian athlete, Liam Hickey from Newfoundland and Labrador, who has proudly represented our nation as a member of the Canadian para ice hockey team at the Paralympics in Milan, Italy.

Mr. Hickey has long demonstrated exceptional dedication to sport and his community. His achievements on the world stage are remarkable. He has represented Canada at both the summer and winter Paralympic Games, earned multiple medals at world championships and earned two Paralympics silver medals. His continued excellence is a testament to his skill and unwavering commitment to sport.

Yesterday, team Canada celebrated its first victory at the games, with Assistant Captain Hickey contributing significantly with a goal and two assists. This performance reflects not only his athletic ability but also his leadership and determination. Liam Hickey is an inspiration to athletes across Newfoundland—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Saskatoon West.

Immigrations, Refugees and Citizenship

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, under the present Liberal government, foreign conflicts are spilling into Canadian streets, and Jewish Canadians are paying the price. Just last week, three synagogues were damaged by gunfire. This is not really surprising, since Liberal immigration policies approve some asylum claims without even talking to the claimant. After the fact, some are found to be foreign agents who should be deported.

Yesterday at the immigration committee, the government said it could not deport IRGC regime officials, for several reasons. The first excuse is that the Liberals protected their right to claim asylum. The second excuse is that there are currently no flights to Iran. The third excuse is that the IRGC regime officials' privacy is more important than the safety of Canadians. It is ridiculous.

Our immigration system is broken, and Canadians are fed up. The reality is that the Liberal immigration minister has failed to protect our borders, while hundreds of IRGC agents safely reside in Canada. She is allowing bad actors into Canada and doing nothing to stop them from terrorizing Canadians. Why does the immigration minister still have her job after failing Canadians so badly?

Collège Charles-Lemoyne Riverains

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Riverains, the M18 AAA hockey team at Collège Charles-Lemoyne in Sainte-Catherine has had another excellent season. They climbed to the top of their division in the Quebec M18 AAA hockey league.

I was impressed not only by the players' talent but also by the discipline required by their sports education program. Players have to juggle a strict training schedule, a lot of homework and 42 games played across Quebec with school days upon their return. They are coping with this demanding pace, as evidenced today by their outstanding game play and academic excellence.

The leaders behind their success include their general manager, David Crowdis, and their head coach, Olivier Latendresse, whose work and dedication inspire the whole team.

The Riverains are now in the playoffs, and having seen how well they play, I can say that this is top-level hockey. I wish the Riverains the best of luck this evening at the Sportium arena in Sainte-Catherine.

Quebec Student Union

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, for 10 years, Quebec students have been coming together to make a real and lasting difference in the living and academic conditions of thousands of Quebeckers through the Quebec Student Union, a national association representing 15 university member associations. Its commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers and improving the living conditions of academics is commendable. It plays an essential role in paving the way for the future of scientific development in Quebec.

At a time when scientific and technological developments are moving at lightning speed, now more than ever we need partners like the Quebec Student Union to remind us of the conditions that are necessary to encourage research and innovation. That is one of the things this organization does. Its lobbying efforts with various levels of government are a testament to its firm commitment to supporting the work of new generations of researchers and academics in Quebec.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I wish the Quebec Student Union continued success and, in particular, the best of luck in its endeavours.

African Nova Scotian Community

[Shannon Miedema, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, on the heels of Black History Month, I am honoured to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of the African Nova Scotian community. Halifax is home to a sombre history of racism that must not be forgotten, and reconciliation must be an ongoing effort. The Africville Museum is ensuring that this happens by sharing the community's history, celebrating its achievements and advocating for change.

The African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity is driving the course to practical reparations for this community. The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute provides free legal services and guidance to African Nova Scotians. New Roots Community Land Trust is advocating for investment into community infrastructure targeted at displaced African Nova Scotian communities. Many other community members are driving important change.

Today in Ottawa, I want to recognize these incredible and passionate organizations that are doing such important work. It is not going unnoticed, and it deserves to be celebrated.

The Economy

[Lianne Rood, Conservative, Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, affordability of goods and services in Canada is the number one concern for Canadians. We cannot control what happens abroad, but the Liberals control the policies that are making life more expensive here at home. We have the worst food price inflation in the G7 and the only shrinking economy.

The Prime Minister is ramming through his newly renamed carbon tax, the clean fuel standard, harming farmers, fishermen and every family buying food. Add on the industrial carbon tax on steel, aluminum, plastic and farm equipment. These costs are made here in Canada, not abroad.

As Tom from London told me, the price of a pack of eight burgers jumped from $15 to $18.50. That is 23% in weeks. Delores from Strathroy said it plainly: “The Prime Minister has no clue how the average Canadian lives.” Bill from Fallowfield warned, “We're heading for a country-wide recession.”

When will the Liberals accept responsibility and remove the policies that are crushing Canadian families?

International Women's Day

[Anju Dhillon, Liberal, Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day is a moment to recognize the leadership, resilience and contributions of women across Canada. Women strengthen our communities, drive innovation and shape a more inclusive future. When women succeed, everyone benefits.

The women's program supports projects that break down systemic barriers to economic equality and leadership.

That is why our government is investing in women's economic participation, improving affordable child care, supporting women entrepreneurs and removing barriers to opportunities.

The women entrepreneurship strategy has helped over 490,000 women start, scale and grow businesses. Supports include access to capital, mentorship, skills training and business networks.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made, recognize the work that still needs to be done and reaffirm our commitment to advancing equality so that every woman and girl—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I am sorry to interrupt the member, but we must move on to oral questions.

Public Safety

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, there have always been wars in the Middle East. We cannot control that. However, the problems were never at our doorstep. People kept their problems at home.

After 10 years of out-of-control Liberal border and law-and-order policies that have allowed criminals, terrorists and illegal guns to enter our country and criminals to be released onto our streets, we are now dealing with shootings at our synagogues, Iranian dissidents being killed, more shootings and 700 agents of the Iranian regime.

What will the Prime Minister do to make Canada safe again?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, our government condemns the shootings at synagogues in Toronto and at the U.S. consulate. That is one of the reasons why the government is vigilant when it comes to terrorists. The IRGC is listed as a terrorist group.

The Economy

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Meanwhile, the Liberal Prime Minister is letting those terrorists stay here in Canada, Mr. Speaker. He is not deporting them. We need to be safe here at home.

The cost of living also needs to be affordable at home. Before this war, the Liberal Prime Minister created the worst food inflation in the G7, which is driving up grocery prices faster than in any other country. Global factors are not to blame for that. What is to blame are his policies, the inflationary taxes that he put in place.

Will he reverse these inflationary taxes and deficits so that Canadians can afford groceries?

[Mark Carney, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action against the IRGC. For example, 10,000 people are banned from entering Canada.

We are taking action on Canadians' purchasing power. We have cut taxes and increased food support, and we are providing child care for Canadian families.