House of Commons Hansard #98 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was workers.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Procedure and House Affairs Members present reports from the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs concerning committee membership and election candidate criteria, while debating proposed measures regarding "longest ballot" organizations and nomination signature limits. 700 words.
Opposition Motion—Tariff-free Auto Pact Conservative MP Kyle Seeback moves a motion criticizing the Liberal government’s handling of the auto industry, citing declining production levels and job losses. Conservatives propose a 'tariff-free auto pact' to double production via GST exemptions and a one-for-one sales rule. Liberals oppose the motion, arguing the plan is outdated and ignores current global trade realities. Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois rejects it, highlighting concerns regarding climate goals and regional interests. 47900 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Supplementary Estimates (C), 2025-26 First reading of Bill C-23. The bill appropriates specified sums for federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, advancing through the House of Commons for final approval on division. .
Interim Supply Members move and carry a motion on division to grant interim supply totalling $86.4 billion to fund government operations until March 31, 2027, as part of the budgetary process for the upcoming fiscal year. 600 words.
Interim Supply First reading of Bill C-24. The bill receives first, second, and third reading in the House of Commons, is reviewed clause-by-clause as a committee of the whole, and is ultimately passed on division for federal public administration funding. .
Amendments to Bill C-8 Laila Goodridge argues against the government’s challenge to amendments made by the Standing Committee on Public Safety regarding Bill C-8, asserting that the committee’s changes are procedurally sound and within the bill's scope. 1300 words, 10 minutes.
Respecting Families of Murdered and Brutalized Persons Act Second reading of Bill C-235. The bill increases, at a judge's discretion, parole ineligibility periods to 40 years for offenders convicted of abduction, sexual assault, and murder. Supporters, primarily Conservatives, argue it prevents the retraumatization of victims' families. The Bloc Québécois opposes the measure, citing constitutional concerns regarding Supreme Court rulings on cumulative sentencing and potential wasted parliamentary resources, but the motion passes and proceeds to committee. 4200 words, 30 minutes.
Canadian Human Rights CommissionRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It is my duty to lay before the House, pursuant to subsection 61(4) of the Canadian Human Rights Act, the report from the Canadian Human Rights Commission for the year 2025.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(e), this report is deemed to have been permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics CommissionerRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Pursuant to subsection 15(3) of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, it is my duty to lay upon the table the list of all sponsored travel by members for the year 2025, as provided by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.
Ben Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology, entitled “Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy: From Innovation to Readiness”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.
Michael Guglielmin Conservative Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives would like to put forward a supplementary report.
Canada's defence industrial capacity must be understood as part of the broader national strategy of sovereignty and resilience. As Canada enters a more uncertain geopolitical era, economic strength, energy, security, technological capability and military readiness are increasingly inseparable.
Stated plainly, we view defence industrial renewal as inseparable from our linked national objectives. The first of these is restoring strategic self-reliance in energy and critical resources. The second is rebuilding military capability through faster and more agile procurement. The third is asserting Arctic sovereignty through dual-use northern infrastructure. The fourth is ensuring digital sovereignty so that defence-relevant data systems and intellectual property remain under Canadian control.
A defence industrial strategy requires more than incremental administrative reform. It requires a broader national effort to strengthen what is in Canada's control: strategic resources, Arctic infrastructure, procurement speed, sovereign industrial capacity, innovative deployment, digital sovereignty and operational readiness.
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 104 and 114, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, regarding the membership of the committees of the House. If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence on the 19th report later this day.
While I am on my feet, I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 20th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “Becoming a Candidate in an Election: A Review of the Criteria”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Christine Normandin Bloc Saint-Jean, QC
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to quickly discuss a supplementary opinion to the report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.
Procedure and House AffairsCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
Procedure and House AffairsCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
Some hon. members
Agreed.
Christine Normandin Bloc Saint-Jean, QC
Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for the collaborative approach it has taken to ensure that elections run smoothly, which unfortunately has not always been the case. The Bloc Québécois supports all of the recommendations in the report except one, and that is the recommendation that seeks to limit the number of nomination papers a voter can sign to one per voter.
We respectfully submit that if this new rule were to be implemented, it would not limit the number of candidates running in an election. Mr. Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, and Mr. Perrault, the current Chief Electoral Officer, said that there would not necessarily be enough time to cross-reference the signatures to determine whether any of them appear on nomination papers associated with an organization seeking to have a large number of candidates run in an election and also on the nomination papers of candidates not affiliated with such a campaign. In any case, both witnesses suggested that a candidate's nomination should not be rejected even if they have many signatures. Therefore, limiting the number of signatures would not prevent multiple valid nomination papers from being filed or prevent a large number of candidates from ending up on the ballot.
However, some negative consequences have been identified, including the fact that voters who are told that they are only allowed to support one candidate could call into question the secrecy of the vote. Voters might feel, indirectly and implicitly, that they are backing a candidate in order to cast a vote for them rather than to simply allow them to stand. Voters who are still undecided would also not have the opportunity to support two candidates in order to see them face off in a debate, for example, so that they can decide on the best choice among the candidates on the ballot.
We therefore respectfully maintain that limiting the number of signatures a voter can provide on nomination papers is not a measure that will resolve the issue of excessively long ballots. On the contrary, such a measure would have unintended consequences.
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Sturgeon River, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a supplementary report from Conservative members of the committee.
The longest ballot committee constitutes a coordinated effort to undermine our elections, undermine confidence in a democratic process and sow confusion among voters. Conservatives support the recommendations in the report to close the loopholes in the Canada Elections Act that the longest ballot committee has taken advantage of.
I would add that it was an initiative of the Conservatives that led to the study, and it was the Conservatives who first called on the Liberal government to take action to address the disruptive activities of the longest ballot committee. We now urge the Liberal government to speedily introduce targeted legislation to prevent groups like the longest ballot committee from disrupting future elections.
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, it being later this day, if the House gives its consent, I move that the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, presented to the House earlier this day, be concurred in.
Procedure and House AffairsCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
Pauline Rochefort Liberal Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition signed by Nipissing—Timiskaming residents who wish to draw the attention of the House to Bill C-218. The petitioners express concern regarding proposed amendments that may affect eligibility criteria and existing safeguards as they relate to the protection of vulnerable persons, particularly those suffering from mental illnesses.
Accordingly, the petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to uphold strong safeguards, ensure continued parliamentary review and approach any legislative changes to medical assistance in dying with caution, transparency and respect for charter principles as they address matters involving end-of-life decision-making.
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of citizens and residents of Canada concerning the start-up visa program. The petitioners are concerned that in recent years, start-up visa applicants have faced extensive and unpredictable processing delays, often lasting several years, despite having undergone rigorous vetting by designated organizations.
Therefore, the petitioners call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to increase annual permanent residence admissions under the start-up visa program; allocate additional resources to reduce application backlogs; adopt a risk-based triage system to fast-track low-risk applicants; and resume issuing a limited number of work permits to essential founders so that they can build early business traction while their applications are being processed.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise and present a petition on behalf of concerned constituents. They are concerned because, as we all know here, the poverty rates among people in the disabled community in Canada are shamefully high.
The petitioners point out that after COVID, a lot of services that are essential for people in the disabled community are provided virtually, but the tax system has not caught up to this reality, so disabled Canadians are taxed on services that are a medical necessity. Prior to COVID, had they gone in person to receive them, they would have been tax-free.
The petitioners are asking the Minister of Finance to revise the criteria, review the real-life situation of Canadians living with disabilities and establish a new standard for tax exemptions to enable organizations to offer tax-free virtual support services and programs. It is a matter of essential justice.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a Conservative petition regarding the flawed amendments the Bloc and the Liberals are proposing to Bill C-9. If passed, it would put the religious freedoms of Canadians in jeopardy. My residents of Abbotsford—South Langley have voiced their concern regarding this development and how it may restrict their freedoms.
As our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly states in sections 2(a) and 2(b), the freedoms of expression and religion must be preserved and are crucial to Canadian society. Therefore, the petitioners call on the government to protect religious freedom, uphold the right to read and share sacred texts and prevent government overreach into matters of faith.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition. I rise today on behalf of petitioners of Abbotsford—South Langley to highlight an important issue affecting the growth and safety of local athletes. The lack of adequate training facilities for the home Wolverines Field Hockey Club limits development, compromises safety and restricts competitive opportunities.
Therefore, the petitioners call on the Government of Canada to provide funding assistance through the federal sport infrastructure grant or relief programs, and partner with provincial and municipal bodies to support the construction of a grass hockey field suitable for training, development and competitive play.
Karina Gould Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to rise today to present a petition on behalf of residents of Burlington and citizens of Canada.
Following the tragic loss of her daughter Katie Pryla, a constituent of mine noted that connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, often go undiagnosed, despite clear clinical signs such as scoliosis, hypermobility, long limb proportions and early connective tissue complications. It can lead to unforeseen medical consequences, particularly for those who become pregnant.
Therefore, the petitioners are requesting that the Government of Canada establish national screening guidelines for Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders, especially for patients presenting with scoliosis or similar connective tissue disorders; implement national education and awareness programs for physicians, specialists and other health care professionals on identifying and managing connective tissue disorders; require genetic and cardiac screening protocols for IVF and high-risk pregnancy patients with connective tissue indicators; and support public awareness initiatives to educate Canadians on the signs and risks of Marfan syndrome and the importance of early education.
If the government were to do such things, it could help prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
I am pleased to be able to present this petition on behalf of my constituents.
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to present a petition signed by the law-abiding property owners of Carleton, Kanata, Nepean, Nipissing—Timiskaming and my great riding of Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke.
The petitioners are raising awareness about the lack of legal protections homeowners and landowners have when they must protect themselves, their property and their families against violent criminals emboldened by a decade of Liberal soft-on-crime policies. They support the Conservatives' stand on guard act, Bill C-270, which would clarify the legal standards around self-defence and defence of property so that those who are the target of crime would not be punished for fighting back to protect those they cherish.
Ted Falk Conservative Provencher, MB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition from dozens of Canadians who are concerned about mental illness and recognize that mental illness is a serious and real illness, but who are calling on the House to support Bill C-218, which would reverse the law extending eligibility for MAID to people with mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition. They believe that mental illness should be treated and not given a death sentence.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am tabling a petition on behalf of constituents in Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford who are deeply concerned about proposed changes to the salmon allocation policy that would decimate regular recreational fishing opportunities for coho and chinook in British Columbia.
Recreational fishers fully recognize conservation in first nations' constitutionally protected food, social, ceremonial and commercial fisheries. For generations, salmon have been managed by the government as a common property resource, held in trust for the benefit of all. Changing this common property principle risks turning a shared public resource into an exclusive privilege, reducing access for many Canadians and undermining confidence in fisheries management. Petitioners note that this would be devastating to our tourism economy and the billions of dollars that flow into conservation efforts.
Therefore, petitioners are calling on the Minister of Fisheries to leave the current salmon allocation policy alone and uphold the cultural rights and traditions of all British Columbians.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand, please.
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
[For text of questions and responses, see Written Questions website]