House of Commons Hansard #96 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was bureaucracy.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Build Canada Homes Act Second reading of Bill C-20. The bill, Bill C-20, establishes Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation intended to address the housing crisis by increasing affordable supply through land and financial partnerships. While Liberals argue the entity provides necessary operational autonomy to accelerate construction, Conservatives criticize the initiative as an expensive, inefficient bureaucracy that fails to tackle high costs and regulations. The Bloc Québécois expresses concern regarding jurisdictional overreach while urging support for the forestry industry. The motion carried on division. 17100 words, 2 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Protecting Canada’s Essential Infrastructure Metals Act First reading of Bill C-271. The bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code to increase penalties for metal theft and vandalism, aiming to deter the illegal resale of critical infrastructure materials like copper and protect essential public services. 100 words.
Corrections and Conditional Release Act Second reading of Bill C-243. The bill proposes amending the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to require parole reviews for murderers to occur at statutory intervals rather than allowing annual applications after an initial denial. Conservative members view this change as a necessary step to prevent the recurring trauma of victims' families, while the Bloc Québécois opposes the bill, citing concerns regarding Parole Board discretion and potential unintended consequences. 6300 words, 40 minutes.
Jennifer McKelvie LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Mr. Speaker, that project involves clean energy, the creation of local jobs and economic growth. It was approved by the Canada Infrastructure Bank through an arms-length process led by non-partisan public servants.
Even the Progressive Conservative government in Nova Scotia supports the project. It is easy to see why. It will create hundreds of good jobs for Nova Scotians, strengthen local communities and help build—
EthicsOral Questions
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is because of news like this that folks are losing faith in our institutions. The Liberals are saying that everything was done properly and that there was no favouritism. That is great. They should have no problem proving it.
Can the Liberals confirm today that no ministers, no members of cabinet and no Liberal insiders were involved at all in this matter? Will they commit to releasing all records related to the $206 million in low-interest loans and the $150 million in federal grants? Quebeckers and Canadians have the right to know.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I think what we should do is give a tangible example to members opposite. When we talk about investing in Canadians and investing in Canada, making Canada a stronger and healthier nation, a good example of that is the major projects, where there is $60 billion-plus in projects, including LNG in B.C., mining in Saskatchewan, the expansion of the Montreal port in Quebec, and nuclear energy.
That is how we invest in Canada, and it is something of which we should all be proud.
Natilien Joseph Liberal Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
Mr. Speaker, our government has a clear mandate to strengthen the sustainability of the immigration system. I know the minister is working hard to collaborate with Quebec, support Quebec businesses and fulfill our mission to build the strongest economy in the G7.
While we are reducing the number of temporary residents by the end of 2027, we also understand the importance of stability in the Quebec workforce.
Can the minister tell the House how our government plans to support the transition of workers—
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Lena Metlege Diab LiberalMinister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Longueuil—Saint-Hubert for his question.
Yes, we fully understand the challenges that businesses and communities are facing. The good news is that I have been working closely with Quebec to come up with a solution, and today we announced a new measure designed to help workers in the process of obtaining permanent residency contribute to Quebec for up to an additional year.
We are fulfilling the mandate we were given, and we will continue to listen to Quebeckers.
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, copper theft is not an innocent crime. When vandals target essential infrastructure such as cell towers and power transformers, they are not just breaking the law; they are also putting human lives at risk. Copper theft literally leaves people in the dark and stranded when they need help the most. Last year in the Cambridge area alone, there were at least 15 cell service outages linked to these crimes, leaving residents unable to call 911 in an emergency.
Do the Liberals realize that copper theft poses a significant threat to public safety, and do they agree that the House of Commons should take action now to protect our communities?
Jacques Ramsay LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question. It is indeed a very important issue.
The government is concerned about copper theft, as these structures are essential to ensure that people can communicate and that our telecommunications networks are secure.
We are taking all necessary measures. We are in communication with the RCMP and the police, and we are conducting investigations to prevent this type of crime.
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the response from the member opposite, but there is more we can be doing. With Bell Canada designating Cambridge as a hot spot for copper theft, it is a real and ongoing risk for people in my community who depend on reliable power and cell service, especially during emergencies.
The experts are clear: We need tougher penalties for thieves and vandals, deterrence for repeat offenders and concrete steps to stop stolen metals from being sold on the black market.
Do the Liberals agree that these are common-sense measures to stop copper theft, and will they commit to working with Conservatives to put these priorities into law?
Jacques Ramsay LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleague that Bill C-14 will impose harsher sentences on repeat offenders who commit crimes over and over again.
However, I am quite willing to discuss with my colleague whether more can be done to tackle the specific crime of copper theft.
Kerry Diotte Conservative Edmonton Griesbach, AB
Mr. Speaker, my private members' bill, Bill C-243, is being read for the second time today. It is a common-sense bill that would lessen the anguish of people who have had loved ones stolen from them by murder. This Conservative bill would reduce annual parole hearings for murderers from every year to every five years.
Parole hearings are traumatizing. This would be a compassionate law supporting the loved ones of murder victims, and it is endorsed by thousands of Canadians and police nationwide, so will the Liberals stand up for victims—
JusticeOral Questions
The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec
The hon. Parliamentary Secretary of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Patricia Lattanzio LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, these crimes that are being committed on a practically daily and weekly basis are simply unacceptable. We are committed to putting forward robust laws to be able to tackle these issues.
It would be a pleasure for me to sit down with the member and go over his PMB. We will certainly engage in making sure that Canadians are always protected.
Kent MacDonald Liberal Cardigan, PE
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise here today to represent the people of eastern P.E.I. Like many residents of Canada, they are frustrated by the trend of increasing banking fees and charges. Our government has taken action by capping non-sufficient fund fees. These can run as high as $50, and they impact mostly low-income Canadians. In many cases these fees add up to hundreds of dollars over the year.
Can the Secretary of State for the CRA and Financial Institutions outline what this measure means for Canadians?
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend from Cardigan for the great work he does in the House and in his riding.
We are focused squarely on making life more affordable for Canadians. That is why, yesterday, we capped non-sufficient fund fees that banks charge at $10. Before this measure came into place, fees were as high as $50, and Canadians could be charged multiple times a day. That is not going to happen anymore, which means that more vulnerable Canadians will save hundreds of dollars per year.
We are focused on making life more affordable for Canadians.
Helena Konanz Conservative Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday in a discussion about unsafe injection sites, I asked the Liberal Minister of Health the easiest possible question: Is injecting fentanyl safe? Instead of giving a straight answer, the minister laughed and said that research shows continuing to inject fentanyl saves lives. Extending addiction does not save lives.
I will ask it again: Does the minister believe injecting illegal fentanyl is safe?
Maggie Chi LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
Mr. Speaker, let me set the record straight. Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and the member knows that physicians use fentanyl in an extremely controlled environment to treat patients.
Supervised consumption sites save lives and connect people to services. This is only one tool in our many tool boxes that we are using to work collaboratively with provinces and territories. We are supporting communities to tackle the toxic drug crisis.
It would be wonderful if members on the Conservative side could join us instead of painting the record dark.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, in Davos, the Prime Minister declared that Canada will live the truth by acting consistently, applying the same standards to allies as to rivals.
Canada has rightly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine as illegal, yet the Prime Minister is supporting the United States and Israel as they wage an equally illegal war on Iran. This double standard undermines Canada's credibility and erodes the rules-based order we depend on for our security.
Why is the Prime Minister walking away from the principles he championed just weeks ago?
Foreign AffairsOral Questions
Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester Ontario
Liberal
Mona Fortier LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Speaker, I believe the Prime Minister has been very clear: International law must be respected. There is a situation unfolding.
I am not sure if we are talking about the sanctions lifted by the Americans on Russian oil, but we obviously condemn the strikes carried out by Iran against civilians and civilian infrastructure, specifically energy and maritime infrastructure in the Middle East. We know that Russia is attempting to capitalize on these price increases, and Canada is opposed to that.
Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
Mr. Speaker, some people are getting calls that go a little bit like this: “Hi Grandma, it's your grandson. I really need help. I just need your PIN.” Obviously, we know what happens next.
With AI, bank fraud horror stories are on the rise. The current position of the banks is that they cannot do anything when people voluntarily divulge their information to fraudsters. It is the victims' own fault for getting tricked. The banks should be required to protect and reimburse us.
What does the Prime Minister, a former banker, think about holding banks accountable for these scams? Will he side with ordinary Canadians or with his banking friends?
Jacques Ramsay LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to say that, quite recently, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue announced the creation of a new agency that will help to combat organized crime and money laundering. The agency will also investigate this type of fraud as part of its program to combat money laundering and financial crime.
Departmental Plans, 2026-27Routine Proceedings
Saint John—Kennebecasis New Brunswick
Liberal
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to table, in both official languages, on behalf of 90 departments and agencies, the departmental plans for 2026-27.
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 20 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.
Ben Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology, entitled “Improving Productivity in Canada”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.