House of Commons Hansard #94 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was agreement.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Oil Tanker Moratorium Act First reading of Bill C-264. The bill seeks to repeal the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, an action supported by the Conservative Party, who argue the current ban hinders the Canadian energy industry and limits resource exports to international allies. 200 words.
Food and Drugs Act First reading of Bill C-265. The bill amends the Food and Drugs Act to reform the special access program, aiming to simplify the process for doctors to access unapproved medications and prioritize clinician decision-making in life-threatening situations. 200 words.
National Framework on Skilled Trades and Labour Mobility Act First reading of Bill C-266. The bill proposes establishing a national framework to streamline and harmonize credential recognition for skilled tradespeople, aiming to reduce regulatory barriers and facilitate labour mobility across Canadian provinces and territories. (Bill C-266) 200 words.
National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances Act First reading of Bill C-267. The bill seeks to establish a national framework promoting the durability and repairability of electronic products and home appliances to reduce electronic waste, lower consumer costs, and support a more sustainable circular economy. 100 words.
Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation Act Report stage of Bill C-18. The bill, Bill C-18, passed third reading on division. The Liberal government promoted the agreement as a strategic move to boost trade diversification, while Conservatives criticized the lack of urgent results regarding U.S. tariffs and non-tariff barriers. The Bloc Québécois raised concerns about investor-state dispute settlements and requested greater protections for human rights and the environment. 14500 words, 2 hours.
Criminal Code Second reading of Bill C-246. The bill proposes mandatory consecutive sentences for multiple sexual offences, aiming to [end sentence reductions] for perpetrators. Conservatives argue the measure ensures [justice for victims], while the Bloc Québécois supports [submitting to committee] for further study. Liberals, however, contend the proposal is [potentially unconstitutional], noting that the government is already addressing these issues through other legislative efforts like [bail reform legislation]. 5800 words, 40 minutes.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for London West.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Aslam Rana Liberal Hamilton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, on March 2, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Health to my riding of Hamilton Centre. We began the day at Carole Anne's Place at YWCA Hamilton, where we learned more about the essential low-barrier sports being provided to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We then visited Womankind Addiction Service to see the important work being done to support women on their journey towards recovery and stability. We ended the day with doctors from Hamilton General Hospital and professors from McMaster University for a meaningful discussion about the future of health care and strengthening mental health supports in our community.
Hamilton continues to emerge as a leading health sciences hub. With the dedication of our frontline workers, researchers and community organizations, I am confident that the work happening in Hamilton today will help build a healthier and stronger Canada tomorrow.
Warren Steinley Conservative Regina—Lewvan, SK
Mr. Speaker, last Saturday my wife, Larissa, and I, along with my fellow Conservatives, the hon. members for Regina—Wascana and Regina—Qu'Appelle, had the pleasure of attending the 32nd annual Evening in Greece, a signature cultural fundraiser supporting the Hospitals of Regina Foundation and the Autism Resource Centre. It is an amazing event filled with live music, outstanding Greek cuisine and, of course, the traditional breaking of plates.
Put on by the St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Community of Regina, over its 30-year history the gala has raised more than $3 million to support health care and community programs in Regina and area. We keep this marked on our calendar every year because it is such an amazing event. I give a big thank you to the local Greek community, the sponsors and everyone who works so hard behind the scenes to make this event a success year after year.
Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON
Mr. Speaker, the story of women's rights is a story of courage and of persistence. From suffragettes who fought for our right to vote, to Olympians representing Canada and women leading in STEM, generations of women have pushed our country forward. Today, under our Prime Minister's leadership, Canada now has the largest women's caucus in our history, something we should all be proud of.
We also know that the work must continue. Women around the world still face barriers to leadership. They face wage gaps and gender-based violence. Indigenous and racialized women continue to face even greater challenges. Therefore, while we recognize the progress that we have made, we must keep working until every woman and girl can live safely, lead freely and stand equal in every part of society, because no woman should have to fight for the rights that she already deserves.
William Stevenson Conservative Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, last weekend I attended Rocky Mountain House's Denim and Diamonds chamber event, where Alberta's own Paul Brandt shared the powerful story behind the #NotInMyCity organization and its mission to combat human trafficking in Canada.
Founded in 2017, #NotInMyCity has grown into a national movement that raises awareness, connects law enforcement and community partners, and equips Canadians to recognize the signs of exploitation. Today, more than 20,000 people have completed its training, and its team works with over 40 airports across Canada to help identify trafficking, which is often described as modern-day slavery. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, targeting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Awareness saves lives. I encourage Canadians to visit the website, take the training, learn to recognize the warning signs and join the efforts to protect people at risk. Together we can end human trafficking in Canada.
Steeve Lavoie Liberal Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, Sunday was International Women's Day, and I would like to talk about a courageous and determined woman of faith, my aunt Rose-Emma Lavoie. She was a nun by profession and she ran a school for young girls in Haiti for over 20 years.
In often extremely difficult conditions, she taught them much more than the curriculum. She taught them to believe in themselves, to take their place in life and to hope for a better future. Despite overwhelming obstacles, poverty and challenges, her courage and hope never wavered.
Near the end of her life, she came back to Canada. She wanted to tell her story, bear witness to what she had seen and done, and share her hopes for these young women she loved so much. Rose-Emma remains one the greatest women my wife and I have ever known.
Today, our daughter Emma-Rose is named after her, and she is very proud of that.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, conflict in the Middle East is not new, but never have we seen it spill onto the streets of Canada in the way it has under the Liberal government. By politicizing foreign conflicts and pushing a soft-on-crime agenda, the Liberals have left Jewish and Iranian Canadians feeling unsafe in their own communities. Last week alone, three synagogues in the greater Toronto area were shot at. Canadians have heard enough of the condemnations and the endless empty words. Words are not enough.
The truth is that terrorists operate on our streets while the laws already on the books go unenforced. Now, an Iranian dissident in Vancouver, someone I knew personally, has gone missing, and police fear he was killed, yet successive Liberal immigration and public safety ministers have failed to stop hundreds of known, active IRGC agents from living here. Why will the government not deport them now?
Caroline Desrochers Liberal Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I take a moment today to highlight World Plumbing Day. Plumbers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities every day. Their work helps to ensure that we have access to clean water every day in our schools, homes, workplaces and more.
Canada's plumbing professionals are also advancing modern conservation, energy efficiency and innovative building practices that support our environmental and economic goals.
The plumbing and heating industry is a major economic driver, contributing more than $30 billion to Canada's GDP and supporting over 200,000 jobs nationwide.
As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, I want to thank plumbers, contractors and industry leaders across Canada for the critical role they play in helping build the homes and infrastructure Canadians need. Their role is important, and we need them.
Happy World Plumbing Day, everyone.
Blake Richards Conservative Airdrie—Cochrane, AB
Mr. Speaker, around the world, countries are searching for secure and reliable sources of energy. Many, including Japan, South Korea, India and Germany, have expressed a growing interest in Canadian energy.
Canada has the fourth-largest oil reserves in the world and the ability to help meet that demand responsibly, yet despite years of promises, the government has not approved a single new pipeline to tidewater. Its Major Projects Office was supposed to speed up development, yet it has not approved a single project. Instead, Liberal policies like Bill C-69, the west coast tanker ban and endless regulatory delays continue to block Canadian energy from reaching global markets.
Canada should be diversifying our energy exports so we are more resilient to instability abroad and we reduce our dependence on the United States as our only customer. By expanding access to global markets and allowing projects to move forward here at home, we can strengthen our economy, support Canadian workers and ensure that Canadian energy reaches the allies that are demanding it.
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I want to pay tribute to Françoise Hogue Plante, a woman who has had a profound impact on life in Louiseville. She was elected as a municipal councillor and served with exemplary consistency and generosity from 2009 to 2025, more than 16 years. Known for her close ties with citizens and her willingness to listen, she championed several key issues with conviction, including the l'Éveil skate park, the return of the Orléans Express bus service and the merger of municipal housing offices.
A true pillar of community life, Ms. Hogue Plante was also involved in numerous organizations, such as the Association des personnes handicapées du comté de Maskinongé, the Maison du commis voyageur and the Festival de la galette de sarrasin de Louiseville. Her career reflects a deep love for the people of Louiseville and they will long remember the lasting mark she made on their community.
I would like to thank Françoise Hogue Plante for everything.
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, we celebrated International Women's Day. In honour of the occasion, I celebrate women and all of our essential contributions to our country. Let us recognize the tremendous work of the women who came before us and ushered in the rights we enjoy today.
Women have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and determination in so many domains. For a long time, they were discriminated against or excluded from domains such as sport. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games top of mind, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the courageous female athletes who wear our colours.
One of those women is Sherbrooke's Kim Boutin, a six-time Olympic medallist who is tied for most decorated Canadian female athlete in the history of the winter games. That is quite an accomplishment. Another is Lyne‑Marie Bilodeau, also from Sherbrooke. She was the youngest Canadian athlete at the Beijing Olympics and won three gold medals at the Canada Winter Games. Her journey proves that nothing is impossible.
In celebrating these women, we celebrate all women. Their victories, their ambitions and their triumphs are, by extension, our own.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canada cannot control what happens abroad, but the Liberals do control the policies here at home that are making life more expensive. Under the Liberals, Canada tops the G7 in food inflation and is the only shrinking economy. The most vulnerable Canadians are the ones who are left to pay the price.
One in five Canadians over 50 are now living in conditions comparable to the poverty line. After years of Liberal deficits and rising taxes, the seniors of Abbotsford—South Langley, the very people who helped build this country, are struggling to afford basic needs, yet the Prime Minister is pushing ahead with his rebranded carbon tax, the clean fuel standard, and his industrial carbon tax, passing higher prices on to those who produce our food and goods and ultimately to all Canadians. These costs are imposed here at home, not abroad.
When will the Prime Minister take responsibility for the policies he controls and scrap the taxes making life more unaffordable for all Canadians, especially our seniors?
Stéphane Lauzon Liberal Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am a former welder and pipefitter.
Today is World Plumbing Day. It is celebrated every year on March 11 and it serves as a reminder of how important the plumbing sector is for the health, safety and well-being of all our communities across the country.
World Plumbing Day gives us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of Canada's plumbing professionals, whose expertise ensures that clean and safe water reaches our businesses and public institutions.
Plumbing professionals play a key role in the modernization of our systems, energy efficiency and water conservation. Their commitment and innovation have a direct impact on the safety and resilience of our communities.
The plumbing and heating sector is also a major economic driver. It contributes over $30 billion to Canada's GDP and supports more than 200,000 jobs across the country.
I would like to sincerely thank plumbers. Their vital work keeps our water systems safe, efficient and sustainable.
Ned Kuruc Conservative Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, there are heroes among us today, and if it were not for them, a life would have been lost. Two days ago, a member of my office suffered a sudden medical emergency, and in those critical moments, parliamentary assistant Ellena Yazdani, Constable Maxime Patry-Lavigne, Constable Matthew Sargeson and many other members of the Parliamentary Protective Service acted immediately. Because of their courage, quick thinking and medical training, a life was saved. I am happy to report he is doing very well. In the hospital, the doctor told me that if there had not been a defibrillator on site, a tragedy would have occurred.
I would like to also thank my colleague from Lanark—Frontenac for his endless work in advocating for access to defibrillators. We need more defibrillators in public spaces. Simply put, they save lives.
I ask all members of the House to join me in recognizing and thanking the PPS, police, emergency services and the heroes we have here today.
Gurbux Saini Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate International Women's Day this week, we take time to recognize the many contributions that women make in our communities, workplaces and families. Across Canada, women are leaders, caregivers, business owners, teachers and volunteers who help build a stronger and more compassionate country.
Let us be reminded to continue working toward equality and opportunity for all women and girls across Canada and around the world. When women have access to opportunity and stability, entire communities thrive. Let us continue working toward a more equal and prosperous future for all.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, last month residents across Ottawa learned of the loss of the legendary Lowell Green. Lowell was the voice of the common people in the Ottawa Valley on CFRA. Day after day, he would fill the airwaves with the truth that no one else had the courage to speak. He was the voice of the hard-working majority so often forgotten by those in power.
However, it was not just his radio show that kept people loving him for five decades. He also co-founded Big Brothers of Ottawa, which has become one of the longest-standing charities serving children in the capital. His work led to generations of mentors and mentees bringing up the next generation. Lowell's dedication also helped raise money for the Help Santa Toy Parade so everyone would have a gift at Christmastime. He helped save the Centennial Flame, and he raised money for countless other charities.
As we join with all of his former listeners, family members and friends, we say rest in peace to the legendary Lowell Green. May his wonderful legacy live on in the capital and across the country.
James Maloney Liberal Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON
Mr. Speaker, five years ago yesterday, the House adopted a motion declaring March as Irish Heritage Month.
In 1847, Irish immigrants arrived on our shores. They were sick; they were hungry; they were dying. What did Canada do? We welcomed them. The Irish have helped build this country. Our first Governor General was from Ireland, our second Governor General was from Ireland, and our current Prime Minister is from Ireland.
When Lester Pearson commissioned our new flag, he tapped a man by the name of Patrick Reid, who had fought alongside Canadian soldiers in World War II. The red maple leaf ensign was on their shoulder, and that is what inspired the flag design that we fly so proudly today. When we walk out the doors of this building onto Wellington Street, it is a street named after a man who was born on Grafton Street in downtown Dublin.
Canada and Ireland are two great friends. They are two great allies, and they share values. There is so much more to do. I want to celebrate this month because Canadian Irish history is Canadian history.
Sláinte.
Irish Heritage MonthStatements by Members
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I let the hon. member go a little over time, but it is the Irish part of me that allowed that to happen.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Battle River—Crowfoot Alberta
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, there are only two types of people: those who are Irish and those who wish they were.
The Prime Minister had four flip-flops on Iran, but the flip-flops at home have been even worse.
The Liberal government is claiming that the Global News report that indicated that there are 700 Iranian agents here in Canada is false. However, yesterday, the Liberals admitted that 239 agents have had their visas revoked, but only one of them has been deported. That means that there are at least 238 Iranian agents here in Canada at a time when we are seeing terrorist attacks on synagogues and other places.
Does the Prime Minister want to flip-flop again and tell us how many Iranian government agents are here threatening our population?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious situation. First, the government has already banned 10,000 IRGC officers from entering Canada.
Second, 170 investigations are under way, and like the Minister of Public Safety said, 28 are currently being subject to an extensive review process.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister had four flip-flops on Iran in just the same number of days. This is a pattern. He has also flip-flopped on oil and gas. He wrote a book called Values, in which he said he wanted to keep 50% of our energy in the ground. He said in that book that he wanted to raise carbon taxes, and then he claimed that he had flip-flopped on that, while he has since kept in place every antidevelopment law that Trudeau passed, he has renamed the carbon tax, and he has brought in an industrial carbon tax that has driven away an $8-billion project.
Will he flip-flop again and reverse these Liberal policies so that we can actually supply the world with the energy it needs in this critical time?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate receiving this gift on this day honouring Ireland.
Canada has increased at record levels our oil exports. Canada has approved, under this government, Ksi Lisims. Canada has approved and started one of the biggest LNGs. Canada is working to the lowest-carbon LNG and the lowest-carbon oil exports in the world. We will maintain and increase our competitive position. We are driving straight forward.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is driving in circles. He said that he wanted to keep 50% of our oil in the ground. He supported blocking the pipeline to the Pacific. He has not approved a single oil pipeline, and his Major Projects Office has not approved a project of any kind. He has just tried to take credit for a project approved by Prime Minister Harper. Next he will be trying to claim credit for the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Will the Prime Minister flip-flop again, reverse his support of an industrial carbon tax and the Liberal antidevelopment laws, and get out of the way so that we can build pipelines to the Pacific to power paycheques for our people?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my book, as it is the policy of this government, we want the lowest-risk, the lowest-carbon and the lowest-cost oil and gas, and that is what makes ours competitive. That is the story of Canadian LNG. That is the story of the MOU with Alberta. That is the story of Bay du Nord. That is how we drive the country forward and not off a cliff like the member opposite.