Debates of April 13th, 2026

Lawful Access Act, 2026

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, one of the things I have recognized in my parliamentary career is the importance of things such as judicial independence, the respect of the rule of law and understanding how important our Charter of Rights is. I have never to date seen a situation where I could support the use of the notwithstanding clause. It terrifies me at times when we hear the Conservative Party say that it would use it as a preventive measure. It is a distortion of what was actually intended when the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was introduced to Canada. This is one of the reasons I think a change within the Conservative leadership is needed: to change the mentality of using the notwithstanding clause.

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I am always honoured to rise in this place to represent the amazing people of Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner.

Today's debate on Bill C-22, an act respecting lawful access, is important and timely, as Parliament again aims to modernize Canada's lawful access framework. I am hopeful this time that our efforts on the issue will have some measure of success.

In Canada, “lawful access” refers to the ability of law enforcement and national security agencies to legally obtain information from electronic service providers or to intercept communications with judicial authorization. This authorized interception and the search and seizure of documents, computer data and other information is a tool frequently used by law enforcement agencies to investigate serious crimes like the illegal trafficking of weapons, drugs and people; money laundering; child pornography; Internet fraud; cybercrime; homicide and organized crime.

National security agencies also use lawful access to investigate terrorist groups that threaten Canada's national security.

Unfortunately, Canada's current lawful access framework is outdated and ineffective in the face of the rapid changes in technology being exploited by criminals. Gaps in legislation render Canadians increasingly vulnerable as wireless communication technology continues to advance, making it difficult for our law enforcement and national security apparatus to get the information needed to investigate serious crimes or security threats in a timely manner and to be able to prosecute them effectively.

Technologies like the Internet, email, cellphones, wireless data networks and encryption all add additional layers of complexity and present serious technological challenges and delays for obtaining critical evidence. The growing global nature of crime increases this vulnerability, as terrorist networks, organized criminal groups and human traffickers all use modern technology to perpetrate crimes and avoid detection.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[Don Davies, NDP, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Canada's New Democrats and our nation. I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the leaders of all parties and every member of the House for their collegiality during my term as interim leader, an experience that reaffirmed for me the profound privilege of serving Canadians in the heart of our democracy.

Recently in Winnipeg, thousands of New Democrats came together with purpose and unity to choose our new leader, Avi Lewis. Avi understands that this moment demands bold action. He knows Canadians are facing rising unemployment, soaring grocery bills and crushing housing costs. He will fight for good jobs with fair wages and give young people real hope for the future.

The truth is that Canada's NDP is needed now more than ever. Under Avi Lewis's leadership, we will deliver the progressive vision our country needs and will fight for the progressive, positive change Canadians deserve.

Bullying Prevention

[Sima Acan, Liberal, Oakville West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Oakville West's ongoing efforts to prevent bullying, especially among our youth. We are fortunate to have strong educational frameworks in place. The Halton District School Board's RespectED program provides essential learning on personal boundaries, abuse prevention and healthy relationships. Complementing this is the Canadian Red Cross initiative Beyond the Hurt, which takes a peer-led approach to addressing harassment among youth, empowering them to support one another. Beyond the classroom, the Women's Centre of Halton is doing critical work to help individuals break free from the blame cycle, fostering lasting and positive change.

I am also proud of my Oakville West youth council, which serves as a direct platform for our future leaders to research, discuss and work on the issues that affect them most, including cyber-bullying and online safety. By bringing their voices directly to the House, we ensure that the fight against bullying is not just something we do for our youth but also something we do together with them.

Public Safety Telecommunicators

[Dean Allison, Conservative, Niagara West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the start of national public safety telecommunicators week. It is a week to honour the dedicated 911 communicators who serve as the calm, steady voices behind the line during some of the most terrifying moments of a person's life. These professionals are often the first responders in an emergency. They listen to things that no one else will ever hear: the raw panic in a parent's voice, the final breaths of a loved one and the heartbreaking sobs of a family facing unimaginable grief. They carry a heavy emotional burden, yet after a difficult call, they take a deep breath, compose themselves and answer the next call with the same compassion, focus and professionalism.

Every 911 communicator across this country should know how much they are appreciated. Their compassion, their courage and their steady presence in people's darkest moments matter more than they will ever know. We see the difficult work they do, we respect the weight they carry every shift and we are truly, deeply grateful.

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, every spring there is a sure sign that warmer days are on the way, and in Kitchener—Conestoga that sign has been a cherished tradition since 1965: the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Recognizing the world's largest one-day maple syrup festival, Elmira, home to about 12,000 residents, welcomed around 70,000 visitors this past Saturday. I thank the tireless volunteers, the festival committee and the dedicated sponsors whose support brings our community together year after year.

The day featured a pancake-flipping contest, a family fun area, incredible food, local vendors, live entertainment and of course pancakes drenched in pure Canadian maple syrup produced right here in Kitchener—Conestoga. All proceeds from the festival are returned directly to the community, supporting local charitable and not-for-profit organizations and turning a delicious day of celebration into lasting community impacts.

Year after year, the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival truly represents the best of community, agriculture and springtime in Canada. I offer my congratulations.

Fathers

[Scott Anderson, Conservative, Vernon—Lake Country—Monashee, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Henry Ly for his leadership in the Father's Knowledge Circle, a weekly meeting run by the North Okanagan Friendship Center Society in Vernon, British Columbia. The circle creates a respectful, supportive space for fathers to come together and share knowledge and stories. Speaking at the knowledge circle took me back 20 years, to the day I suddenly found myself a single father with my three young kids, living in a motel room. Things worked out for me, but for far too many men the extra stress can be deadly.

Single fatherhood is a growing demographic in our society, and the challenges and lack of support can be overwhelming. Nearly a million Canadian men suffer from major depression annually, and 75% of all suicides in Canada are men. Volunteer support programs like this save lives. Thanks to leaders like Henry Ly and programs like Father's Knowledge Circle, dads have a place to turn and a community that says to them that they are not alone.

Autism Awareness

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, April 13, during autism awareness and acceptance month, a month dedicated to highlighting the need for greater inclusion, understanding and support for people on the autism spectrum.

In Canada, 2% or roughly one in 50 children and youth is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence of autism among adults is estimated to be around the same, at 1.8%, but no matter what the age, living with autism spectrum disorder can bring about significant life challenges. That is why I want to highlight the incredible work of the physicians, researchers and organizations that have made so much progress in helping to better identify and diagnose autism spectrum disorder, as well as teachers, employers and organizations like Autism Canada and the Canadian autism network, which, in their own way, work tirelessly to support Canadians living with autism.

Canada is a better, stronger and fairer place because of their hard work. On behalf of all members of my community in Vaudreuil and all members of this House, I thank them.

Christians in Nigeria

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week a Christian family of eight was killed in Nigeria. Two weeks ago, on Palm Sunday, an attack on a mostly Christian Nigerian town left 28 dead. Since 2009, Boko Haram and others have waged a brutal campaign attacking Christians in Nigeria. Millions have been displaced, villages destroyed, churches burned and entire families murdered.

Reports indicate that over 7,000 Christians were massacred in 2025 alone. Three churches on average are being destroyed every day, with over 18,000 churches destroyed since 2009. These attacks are not just political disputes; they are violent attacks against innocent people just because they are Christians. Canada must speak out and stand up for the persecuted Christians and push the international community to act. Freedom of worship and freedom of conscience are core Canadian values that we cannot ignore.

To our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, we have not forgotten about them. Stay strong and keep the faith.

Juno Award Recipient

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish, NS]

Mr. Speaker, there is exciting news for the music industry in Cape Breton. Morgan Toney has just won his first Juno Award, for traditional roots album of the year. He was honoured for his album “Heal the Divide”, which showcases the signature Mi'kmaltic genre, a blend of Mi'kmaq stories and Celtic tunes.

From the small community of Wagmatcook, Morgan Toney's fiddle gets people stomping their feet or doing the traditional Mi'kmaq ko'jua dance. Morgan Toney stated that his win is dedicated to his late mother and that he always keeps her in his heart while creating music.

Morgan records at the Barn Bhreagh studio in Baddeck with Keith Mullins, a studio known for promoting the Mi'kmaq language. Morgan always finds time to collaborate with others, kindly lending his fiddle to help other recording artists. Morgan Toney continues to inspire and make his community, his nation and all of Cape Breton proud.

[Member spoke in Mi'kmaq and provided the following text:]

Welaliek, Morgan. Welukwen aq siawi' keleukw telatike nitap.

[Member provided the following translation:]

“Thank you, Morgan. You're doing great. Keep up the good work.”

Vaisakhi

[Amarjeet Gill, Conservative, Brampton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and celebrate Vaisakhi. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Vaisakhi is a sacred day for Sikhs in Canada and around the world. In 1699, our Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, founded the Khalsa, a moment of courage, equality and faith. April is also Sikh Heritage Month, a time to honour faith, history and contribution. Across Canada, Nagar Kirtan fills our streets. It brings communities together. It reflects seva, unity and generosity. Sikh Canadians strengthen our nation every day. Their contributions make Canada proud.

As we honour this sacred day, let us reaffirm our commitment to freedom, compassion and justice for all.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Bole So Nihal. Sat Sri Akal.

Louis Saia

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Louis Saia, a legend of Quebec theatre, passed away on April 1. Louis Saia was the co-author of Broue, the most popular play in our history. He also leaves us Les voisins, another play co-written with his longtime collaborator Claude Meunier that still makes us laugh at ourselves 40 years on.

Between Ding et Dong, La petite vie, Paul et Paul, and Radio enfer, it is hard to grasp how many of the classics enjoyed by countless families would not exist without Louis Saia's contributions. Then there was his film franchise Les Boys, the first of which premiered in 1997 and broke all the records for a Quebec film, at a time when Quebec was the only place in the world immune to the box-office pull of Titanic. As far as I am concerned, his career deserves every accolade that the world has to give.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, allow me to offer my condolences to his family, loved ones and the Quebec cultural community at large on the loss of one of its giants. I thank Louis Saia for everything and ask him to join Michel Côté in raising a glass, a “petite frette”, to the good health of us all.

Canada-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group

[Kristina Tesser Derksen, Liberal, Milton East—Halton Hills South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to welcome the Swiss delegation and the President of the National Council of the Swiss Confederation to Canada this week.

Canada and Switzerland are bound not only by friendship but by a shared commitment to democracy, innovation and the rule of law.

For decades, our two countries have been working closely together to promote peace, prosperity and international co-operation.

At a time of global uncertainty, partnerships like ours matter more than ever. They remind us that progress is built through dialogue, trust and common purpose. As chair of the Canada-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group, I am proud to highlight this visit and celebrate the enduring ties between our two nations.

Together, we will continue to strengthen this relationship for the benefit of our fellow citizens and future generations.

High-Speed Rail

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Alto project will be the biggest expropriation event in Canadian history. Alto also costs more than Canada can afford. At $90 billion, it is larger than last year's record federal deficit. If Alto experiences the 50% to 100% cost overruns that are typical for Canadian rail projects, it could easily be paused or even abandoned. This makes pre-emptive expropriations and land freezes doubly irresponsible, but pre-emptive expropriations are a hallmark of Liberal infrastructure policy. At Mirabel airport, at Pickering airport and at LeBreton Flats, land was expropriated first, and the project cancelled later, after costs skyrocketed.

Citizens are not powerless. If enough Canadians sign petition e-7203 against Alto, we can show the Liberals that Canada does not want the Alto project, not the expropriations and not the wasted billions. It is time for the government to go back to the drawing board.

Sikh Heritage Month

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

This month marks the seventh anniversary of Sikh Heritage Month, which allows us to celebrate and educate future generations about the contributions Sikh Canadians continue to make across our country. Vaisakhi, the founding of Khalsa, is being honoured today on Parliament Hill.

On April 18, Khalsa Day and Vaisakhi will be celebrated in Surrey Newton, where the annual Nagar Kirtan will attract over half a million people. This celebration reflects the Sikh commitment to equality, selfless service and unity. I thank the organizers of the Surrey Nagar Kirtan and Sikh Canadians across our nation, who, over the past century, have helped build Canada into the country it is today.

Jo Bole So Nihal. Sat Sri Akal.

Gas Prices

[Kerry Diotte, Conservative, Edmonton Griesbach, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was asked yesterday what he would do to help Canadians suffering with high gas and diesel prices. He did not have an answer. Even in oil-rich Alberta, folks are paying well over two bucks a litre for diesel.

Here is an easy way for the Prime Minister to help. The feds are hauling in record revenues from high oil prices, so they can use $5 billion of that estimated $9 billion to help hard-hit Canadians. Conservatives have a plan: suspend the fuel excise tax, suspend the GST on gas and diesel, and kill the so-called clean fuel standard tax and the hated industrial carbon tax. That would cut 20¢ a litre off the price of gas and 21¢ off the price of diesel.

Canadians are suffering. They desperately need some relief from the pain at the pumps. The Liberal government must give them the relief they deserve.

The Economy

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, over 4,500 people from across Canada came to beautiful Montreal on Thursday and Friday, where we were able to witness a very common thread, the thread being building Canada strong. Building Canada strong means looking at diversifying our economy. It means building Canada's infrastructure. That includes big projects, by the way. It means growing export markets. It means buying Canadian. By using the power of our economy, we are able to provide things such as health care, home care services, improved dental programs and pharmacare programs. Building Canada strong means building the strongest and healthiest economy in the G7.

Gas Prices

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are pinching pennies as the Liberal government continues to pinch Canadians. Canadian families are struggling while the Liberal government is taking in cash every time Canadians fill up their gas tanks. Fuel prices have skyrocketed, and the Liberals stand to collect almost $10 billion in additional revenue because Canadians have to pay more at the pumps. Yesterday, when asked how he would help Canadians facing rising gas prices, the Prime Minister said he was still “looking” at it.

Canadians do not need any more studying, waiting or another MOU. They need relief right now. Here is an idea for the Prime Minister: suspend all federal taxes on gas and diesel until the end of 2026, remove the fuel excise tax, permanently scrap the industrial carbon and clean fuel standard taxes, and eliminate the GST on fuel. Ending those four taxes would save almost 25¢ a litre, saving Canadian families roughly 20 bucks every time they fill up the tank.

Canadians have been sacrificing long enough under the Liberal government. Suspend the fuel taxes, give Canadians—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Brampton South.

Sikh Heritage Month

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

As we celebrate Vaisakhi and Sikh Heritage Month in April, we commemorate the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This moment formalized the Sikh commitment to equality, social justice, courage and service to others. These teachings continue to guide generations. Sikh Canadians strengthen our communities through seva, selfless service, uplifting those in need and bringing people together. These are not only Sikh values; these are Canadian values.

Today, we are celebrating Vaisakhi on the Hill. I want to thank everyone who has joined from across Canada. On behalf of the residents of Brampton South, I wish everyone who is celebrating around the world a very happy Vaisakhi and Sikh Heritage Month.

Vaisakhi athe Khalsa sirjana divas diyaan seriya nu lakh vadhaiyan hoven.

Taxation

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, anybody going to the gas station right now knows that the prices are simply out of control.

Today, a litre of gas in Ontario is $1.70, and in B.C. it is over $2. We do not just pay for fuel at the pumps; we pay an excise tax of 10¢, a fuel standard tax of 7¢, going to 17¢, and we pay GST on all of that. All of those are just federal taxes, adding up to 25¢ on every litre. Liberal taxes have turned a bad situation into a tax grab for the government.

Will the Liberals adopt the Conservative plan and suspend all of those gas taxes today?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Finance and National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, we will not take lessons from the Conservatives.

We are very aware of the situation. We have been following this issue. Let me remind the Conservatives that there is something called a conflict going on in the Middle East. We are watching the situation. We had a meeting with our federal, provincial and territorial colleagues just last week.

Canadians know that we are always there to support them in difficult times.

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there are some things the government can control, and there are many things that it should control.

For the Liberal government, the pain at the pump is not a coincidence, it is actually a policy choice. It is up to the Liberals now how much tax goes on every litre of gas. That sits at 25¢, but the Liberals could make it zero cents by adopting our Conservative plan. While they delay, Canadian families suffer from an extra $20 cost every time they fill up.

The Prime Minister has been looking at it, while Canadians have been paying for it. When does he plan on doing something other than just monitoring the situation?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Finance and National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, in fact, we have done a lot. Let me remind my colleagues, because it is Monday, the first thing that we did was to lower taxes for 22 million Canadians.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!