House of Commons Hansard #101 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was information.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
An Act to Amend the Criminal Code Report stage of Bill C-225. The bill, commonly known as Bailey's Law, amends the Criminal Code to address intimate partner violence. It proposes that intimate partner homicide occurring within a pattern of coercive control constitutes first-degree murder. Members from all parties express their support for the bill following productive committee amendments, emphasizing a collective commitment to protecting victims and strengthening legal responses to domestic abuse. 7900 words, 1 hour.
Lawful Access Act, 2026 Second reading of Bill C-22. The bill proposes a modernized lawful access framework to help police investigate digital crimes. Liberals argue these tools are essential for protecting Canadian communities, while Conservative critics express concerns regarding privacy and constitutional reach. The Bloc Québécois questions if the legislation sufficiently protects individual rights, specifically noting potential oversight deficiencies. While all parties acknowledge the need to combat digital crime, contentious debate remains regarding the balance between enhanced investigative powers and citizen privacy. 40400 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Adjournment Debate - Housing Tamara Jansen and Jacob Mantle criticize the government’s failure to meet housing targets, arguing that skyrocketing costs and empty promises leave young Canadians behind. Wade Grant defends the Liberal record, citing billions in multi-year investments, new infrastructure projects, and the launch of the Build Canada Homes agency. 2600 words, 15 minutes.
Gregor Robertson LiberalMinister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Mr. Speaker, it was wonderful to be in Brampton last week with the Prime Minister to announce the funding for a new community centre, the Embleton community centre and park, in Brampton. It is a $64-million investment for a 175,000-square foot community centre. It is exactly the kind of project that we promised Canadians we would deliver. This is one of 13 initial projects for the build community strong fund.
There is much more to come in the weeks ahead. It is time to build.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, with gas prices soaring, the Liberal government is now expected to receive up to $9 billion more in revenue from higher oil and gas prices. This is revenue it never budgeted for, but for Canadians, these are higher costs they never budgeted for. It means higher prices at the pump, at the grocery store or just to get by.
Will the Liberal government commit today to dropping the 25¢ per litre tax on gas for the remainder of the year, so Canadians are not being punished while the Liberal government profits?
Evan Solomon LiberalMinister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, instead of repeating talking points, let us give some facts about building an affordable life for real Canadians. We cut tax for 22 million Canadians. Our groceries and essentials bill will put almost $1,900 in the pockets of families of four. We are building affordable homes. Let us not forget dental care and health care. That is real help for real families and real jobs for a real affordable life, not talking points and not fiction.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, there was no acknowledgement of two dollars per litre gas and no solutions to address it. What we hear is, “We are looking into it, we are following the issue or we are just patting ourselves on the back for something.” While the Liberals are raking in the profits, families are paying more at the pumps, at the grocery store and just to get by.
When will the Prime Minister start acting by immediately adopting our Conservative plan to drop federal taxes on gas and diesel for the remainder of the year so Canadians can have a break at the pump?
Evan Solomon LiberalMinister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, we are investing in Canadians. We are investing in businesses because, unlike the opposition, we realize we are in a trade war and have to support our businesses. Let me give some examples. In Markham, we invested in CES Transformers, creating 143 new jobs there. In Thorold, we have been investing in Axe Buildings: 32 permanent new jobs. In Kit Steel, we are investing in companies and families to make life more affordable and to build this into the strongest economy in the G7. That is how we win.
Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC
Mr. Speaker, affordability has gotten so bad that farmers in my riding are taking to social media begging the Liberal government for gas tax relief. This is planting season, which is one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year. Tyler Heppell, a very popular Cloverdale farmer, said it plainly: When fuel costs go up, food prices go up. It is that simple. Families are already struggling at the grocery store, yet the government keeps collecting billions in extra as prices rise. The Prime Minister says that he is looking at options. Farmers do not need looking; they need action.
Will the Liberals remove federal taxes on gas and diesel before these costs hit every dinner table in Canada?
Jill McKnight LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, we are helping make food more affordable by introducing the new Canadian groceries and essentials benefit, giving family direct support when they need it most. We have also created the $150-million food security fund to help communities expand access to nutritious, affordable food close to home. That is not all. We are strengthening local food infrastructure across the country so producers can connect more easily with consumers. We are working hard to keep prices down and make more healthy food options accessible for more Canadians.
Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC
Mr. Speaker, what makes this worse is that the government makes more money the higher gas prices go. Every time the price at the pump rises, the GST rises with it. More pain for Canadians means more revenue for Ottawa. This is not just about high prices. The government is profiting from them. Families are cutting back. Farmers are warning food prices will climb again, and the Liberals are quietly taking in billions more. If they can collect billions extra from higher prices, why not give it back by taking taxes off gas and diesel?
Will the Prime Minister finally give Canadians relief at the pump?
Jill McKnight LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, we understand Canadians are facing affordability challenges, and Canadians in British Columbia understand there is uncertainty in the world. Canada's economy has been impacted by heightened uncertainty from emerging conflicts and unjust trade decisions. Our government is delivering measures to help Canadians weather current challenges, from automatic tax filings to the groceries and essentials benefit for 12 million Canadians and reducing taxes for 22 million Canadians. Our commitment to improving affordability remains unchanged and unwavering.
Chak Au Conservative Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC
Mr. Speaker, in the Cowichan land claim case, the Liberal government instructed its lawyers to abandon the fee simple argument, the very cornerstone of private property rights in Canada. That decision has created real uncertainty for homeowners, businesses and everyone who depends on secure land ownership in this country. By stepping back in court, the government is effectively walking away from defending Canadians' property rights.
Will the Prime Minister reverse this decision and direct its lawyers to fully defend fee simple ownership, yes or no?
Rebecca Alty LiberalMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Mr. Speaker, Canada disagrees with the court's decision, and we appealed that on September 8, 2025. At trial, Canada defended the validity of fee simple title granted by the Crown, and we will continue to do so on appeal. The decision's potential implications necessitate greater legal clarity, and our government is committed to attaining that clarity through the proper legal process.
Chak Au Conservative Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC
Mr. Speaker, the government says it supports private property rights, yet it negotiated the Musqueam agreements behind closed doors without protections and consultation with affected communities. That approach is creating uncertainty for homeowners, businesses and investors who rely on transparency and stability. Canadians still feel their property rights are not safeguarded by this Liberal government.
Will the Liberals match their words with action and commit to a full, legally binding transparency agreement and to protecting private property rights in all future agreements?
Rebecca Alty LiberalMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Mr. Speaker, first off, let me be clear. The Musqueam agreement does not affect private property rights.
An MOU was signed in 2017, and a framework agreement was signed in February. It is not a land claim, and it is not a title agreement. The agreement was Musqueam's constitutionally protected aboriginal rights in the specific areas of fisheries, stewardship and marine emergency management, while also establishing a clear framework for collaboration between the first nation and Canada.
Tamara Kronis Conservative Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am from British Columbia, where homeowners are anxious and builders are hesitating to invest. People are wondering if they are going to be able to renew their mortgages. They are asking about the value of their homes. Liberals and New Democrats told their lawyers not to defend our fee simple property rights. They unleashed uncertainty and chaos when we are already struggling with high costs and economic volatility.
What communities want to know is will this Prime Minister end the secrecy and instruct his lawyers to protect the supremacy of private property rights or will Canadians have to keep wondering if their homes are truly theirs.
Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mr. Speaker, the degree to which the Conservatives have misconstrued the position of the Government of Canada indicates that they have not, in fact, read the pleadings that have been filed in the court today.
To be clear, Canada disagrees with the decision that was tabled by the superior court in British Columbia, and more than seven months ago, we appealed that decision because of that disagreement. We are seeking to advance arguments, as we have at trial, that would protect the private property rights of citizens, and we believe that this deserves legal clarity in the moment.
I look forward to making the argument before the British Columbia courts, where this decision will be determined as a matter of law, not politics.
Jeff Kibble Conservative Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
Mr. Speaker, residents across British Columbia already face enough pressure from the high cost of living and continued economic uncertainty without wondering whether their homes are truly theirs. The Cowichan Tribes' decision now calls into question all private property rights while damaging reconciliation efforts across Canada.
Closed-door deals without transparency are not in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. The Liberals must do better. They must provide unity and economic stability.
Will the Liberals assure Canadians that all future agreements will put private property rights first while protecting meaningful reconciliation?
Gregor Robertson LiberalMinister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Mr. Speaker, this government supports the rights of private property owners and this government is 100% committed to reconciliation.
Canadians want the clarity that this appeal will provide. They do not want the fear and misinformation that these Conservatives are pushing out in an attempt to divide Canadians.
Tako Van Popta Conservative Langley Township—Fraser Heights, BC
Mr. Speaker, the recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling in Cowichan Tribes calls into question whether private property rights in Canada are secure, creating unnecessary economic risk in our economy. Clearly the Liberals have dropped the ball on this one, and right at a time when Canadians are facing pressure from higher costs and economic uncertainty.
Will the Liberal Prime Minister direct the lawyers to argue that private property rights in Canada must be secure for homeowners, farmers, businesses and investors? It must be number one.
Jill McKnight LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, as has been said by some of my colleagues, this will not change private property rights. Reconciliation is our path forward for our country, and we will continue to move forward for both.
Giovanna Mingarelli Liberal Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, ON
Mr. Speaker, in the face of economic upheaval, Canadians are doing what they have always done: adapting, helping one another and continuing to grow. More and more Canadians are choosing to discover and celebrate what makes our country unique.
As more and more Canadians choose Okanagan wines over those from California or local breweries, such as the well-known Beau’s Brewing in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, could the Minister of Finance tell us how we are supporting this proudly Canadian industry?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her excellent question.
I have good news for communities across Canada. Let us all raise a glass to Canadian breweries, distilleries and wineries, which are showing resilience in the face of economic uncertainty. By extending the alcohol excise tax relief for two years, we are giving our brewers, distillers and winemakers a boost to help them showcase Canadian products. These measures will allow them to focus on what matters most: growing their businesses, supporting local workers and, of course, showcasing their products, which we all enjoy.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, at least 90 billion taxpayer dollars are at stake in the Alto high-speed rail project, and Canadians deserve to know that personal relationships are not influencing government decisions. The finance minister recognized the risk of a conflict of interest with his partner serving as a vice-president at Alto. The law says that he cannot be part of decisions, discussions, debates or votes when it comes to Alto. Canadians deserve to have confidence in their public institutions and in all elected officials, and especially when $90 billion is at stake.
As such, will the minister come before committee and address this conflict of interest?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, the minister has already answered that question. There is no risk, of course, and the minister complies, as we all must, with some of the most stringent ethics rules in the world. As for Alto and high-speed rail in Canada, it is a generational project, one that is desired by people in that member's riding and people all over Canada.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, the government House leader is disagreeing with his finance minister here, and this is the confusion that is created for Canadians. The finance minister said that he needed to recuse himself from the discussions. He said he needed to put in place a conflict of interest screen, but then went ahead and participated in discussions and debates, and even said at a Senate committee that he was “delivering the goods” for Canadians.
If he has recused himself, why is he also voting on this issue in the House? Canadians have concerns about how this $90 billion is being spent. They are concerned about this conflict of interest. Why will the finance minister not speak for himself, get on his feet and say he will come to committee and address it?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, the minister has answered that question repeatedly and we follow, as everyone must, the highest ethics code and the most stringent ethics code in the western world. We will continue to do so.