House of Commons Hansard #106 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-22.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act Second reading of Bill C-226. The bill proposes a national framework to increase grocery pricing transparency through standardized unit pricing. Liberal supporters praise it as a practical consumer protection measure, while Conservatives criticize the lack of enforcement and argue it distracts from affordability roots. The Bloc Québécois opposes the bill, citing federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction over consumer protection and retail trade. 5900 words, 45 minutes.
Lawful Access Act, 2026 Second reading of Bill C-22. The bill seeks to modernize Canada’s lawful access regime, enabling law enforcement to access digital evidence. Supporters argue the changes are vital to combat modern crime. Conversely, the Opposition warns against government overreach and broad surveillance, citing insufficient consultation with privacy officials. While agreeing on the need for effective police tools, parliamentarians emphasize that the legislation requires rigorous committee scrutiny to adequately protect civil liberties and Charter rights. 39600 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Citizenship Act First reading of Bill C-274. The bill mandates the government to automatically apply for Canadian citizenship for children in the child protection system who immigrated to Canada as minors, preventing them from facing deportation upon aging out of care. 300 words.
Admissibility of Committee Amendments to Bill C-11 James Bezan and Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay argue that parliamentary procedural challenges against amendments to Bill C-11, which addresses sexual misconduct in the military, are unfounded. They contend the changes—previously supported by committee members, including Liberals—align with the bill's scope and expert testimony, urging the Speaker to reject the government's challenge and confirm the legitimacy of the amendments regarding military judicial independence and oversight. 2500 words, 10 minutes.
Jake Sawatzky Liberal New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC
Mr. Speaker, today marks the opening of Canada summer jobs 2026, with 100,000 positions that will be posted on the job bank, which Canadians can visit on jobbank.gc.ca/youth. This is the largest number of summer job opportunities ever, with budget 2025 investing in 24,000 more jobs this summer.
Can the Secretary of State for Children and Youth please explain what this investment means for young Canadians?
Anna Gainey LiberalSecretary of State (Children and Youth)
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to share great news with my colleague for New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville and with the House: Today, young Canadians can now access summer jobs right across Canada. There are 100,000 opportunities, including lifeguarding in Burnaby, being a day camp counsellor in Brampton, or working on a golf course in Brookdale, Nova Scotia. There are 100,000 opportunities for young people to build skills and gain valuable work experience this summer.
We are taking action to support youth across this country. People can visit the job bank to learn more.
John Brassard Conservative Barrie South—Innisfil, ON
Mr. Speaker, speaking of jobs, if one has nothing to hide, one has nothing to fear.
For 16 hours and 45 minutes, the Liberals have been filibustering the ethics committee meetings on a motion that would invite the Minister of Finance to appear before it about his assertion that he put an ethics screen in place because of his spouse's employment as vice-president at Alto.
How can there be an ethics screen in place when the minister has been participating in every decision on Alto since the screen was in place? What is the minister hiding, and why are Liberal members of the committee not wanting him to appear?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows because he lives under the same rules, all members of the House, all public office holders in Canada, live under some of the strictest ethics rules in the world. The Minister of Finance rigorously follows these rules, as must all members, and he will continue to do so.
John Brassard Conservative Barrie South—Innisfil, ON
Mr. Speaker, here is what the member knows. We have seen the future of a Liberal majority at committee, and the future is now. Just last week, the Liberal Prime Minister promised Canadians they would see less showboating and more relevance and substantive debate at committee. What we are actually seeing at committee is Liberal obstruction and a clear sign that they will further obstruct the work of committees and not allow for transparency and accountability, and for the truth to be exposed.
If the finance minister has nothing to hide, why will he not come to committee and explain why he discussed and voted on portions of the budget specifically related to Alto, when he said he would not?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, what Canadians are witnessing, and what they are quite rightly sick of, is Conservative filibustering, obstruction and getting in the way of the plans for our economy, the plans to build this country, the plans to attract investment, to diversify trade and put men and women to work while getting Canadians' costs down. The Conservatives have been obstructing that for months now, and one can only hope we will get a respite from that.
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Mr. Speaker, this afternoon at the ethics committee, we will begin the 17th hour of Liberal stand-up comedy, the longest monologue possible to ensure that three people whose salaries are paid by the government do not testify: the Minister of Finance, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and the president of Alto.
It seems they have better things to do than come and answer legitimate questions about recusals that did not end up happening. Last week, the committee adjourned on the subject of cattle, hay and the quality of milk.
Could the Prime Minister please tell his actors that the charade has gone on long enough and have the Minister of Finance come and answer the questions?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, the member knows this full well, because he is subject to the same rules as the 343 members of the House: Everyone who holds important positions in the government must abide by the strictest code of ethics in the world. We will continue to do so, just as the Minister of Finance is doing so diligently.
Fares Al Soud Liberal Mississauga Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, today perhaps more than ever, Canada has what the world wants. This past year, we welcomed a record number of visitors, with last summer alone generating over $60 billion in tourism revenue. In Mississauga, we see that potential first-hand, from Square One to Celebration Square, from the Riverwood Conservancy to Port Credit, and from Streetsville and the Egyptian Museum to, of course, Ridgeway Plaza.
As we mark the start of National Tourism Week, can Mississauga's own, the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, share how our government will continue to support our tourism sector, create good jobs and strengthen our economy?
Rechie Valdez LiberalMinister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his support of our tourism industry, which hit a record $60 billion last summer thanks to the help of the Canada Strong pass.
Last week I announced $15 million through the international convention attraction fund to bring international events here to Canadian cities. To date, ICAF has secured 116 events, with over 324,000 attendees, and has generated $803 million in economic impact. We are supporting local businesses. We are creating good jobs and strengthening our tourism industry.
I wish everyone a happy Tourism Week.
Burton Bailey Conservative Red Deer, AB
Mr. Speaker, Red Deer exceeded housing starts for two straight years by cutting bureaucracy and using common-sense solutions. This is exactly what Conservatives have been calling for. Under our Conservative plan, cities like Red Deer would be rewarded for building homes. Instead, the Liberal one-size-fits-all approach punishes mid-size cities like Red Deer while funnelling resources to Liberal vote-rich strongholds where homebuilding dropped.
Will the minister commit today to stop punishing Red Deer, scrap the failed Liberal scheme and adopt the Conservative plan to build homes, not bureaucracy?
Gregor Robertson LiberalMinister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Mr. Speaker, our government is leading a national effort to solve the housing crisis by working with cities and towns across Canada to get more housing built.
In reducing red tape, the housing accelerator fund has been very successful working with 241 communities across the country. Those communities made commitments. This government holds everyone accountable to their commitments. The integrity of those agreements is important. We are seeing great results, and Red Deer is one of the cities that is delivering housing supply. That is our goal—
HousingOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
One would think the member for Red Deer would want to hear the answer because the question is about his community.
The hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands has the floor.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, last Thursday in question period, in response to a question from the member for Edmonton Strathcona, the Minister of Energy completely dismissed any concern about the recent nearly one million-litre leak from the pipeline of Imperial Oil on Cold Lake First Nations territory, on top of frequent spills and leaks by Imperial from its tailings ponds and elsewhere.
With Earth Day on Wednesday, I wonder if, as the Speaker says, the hon. minister might want to take it from the top and give a response that at least pretends to be concerned about the environment.
Wade Grant LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, we, of course, acknowledge and take seriously the concerns raised by indigenous communities in the regions around tailings ponds where safety risks happen. Pollution from oil sands tailings is a serious issue that affects Canada's waters, ecosystems and the well-being of communities.
Our government is committed to protecting the health of communities, as well as Canada's waters, fish and ecosystems, today and for generations to come. This is why we are working closely with the Crown-indigenous working group along with the affected communities, first nations, provinces and industry to develop a long-term, science-based solution, and we look forward to their recommendations.
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the House that tomorrow, during Routine Proceedings, the government intends to introduce Motion No. 359 to approve the appointment of Annette Ryan as Parliamentary Budget Officer for a term of seven years.
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order concerning the admissibility of amendments BQ‑2 and BQ‑3, which were introduced by the Bloc Québécois during the Standing Committee on National Defence's study of Bill C‑11.
Business of the HouseOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I have the hon. member's name on my list, but I would like to complete Routine Proceedings before giving him the floor. The member will have an opportunity to speak, and the member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman will also have an opportunity to speak.
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-274, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce an act that would amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. I thank the hon. member for Winnipeg Centre for seconding the bill.
In the previous Parliament, now retired senator Mobina Jaffer brought a bill on this issue, Bill S-235, through the Senate at all its stages. I would like to thank Senator Jaffer and the Our System, Our Children, Our Responsibility coalition for putting a light on this urgent gap in child protection.
Every day an estimated 61,000 children are in and out of care homes in Canada. Like all children, they deserve to have the rights of the child fully respected. They deserve the best of care. When the system fails in its responsibilities to these children, they are exposed to harm.
It is the responsibility of the government to apply for citizenship for children in care who came to Canada as minors, but the government routinely fails to do so. It leaves these young children vulnerable to the cruelty of deportation to a country that they left long ago as minors or that they have no connection to at all. Refugees and protected people face even more severe harms.
There is a temporary policy in place to address the citizenship of children who are the legal responsibility of the child protection system, but it will expire January 7, 2027. This bill would enshrine a clear path to citizenship for children in care who came to Canada as minors. Children aging out of care already face too many extraordinary barriers.
Parliamentarians should use their powers to protect the rights of some of the most vulnerable children. I urge the government to adopt this bill and see to its swift passage.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present a petition. It is an e-petition that was put together and supported by 587 people looking at the issue of expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure.
The petitioners point out that any expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure runs contrary to climate action and the necessity of holding the global average temperature increase to below 1.5°C, if possible. The petitioners point out that projects, and specifically the carbon sequestration project called the Pathways Alliance project, are unlikely to work to hold greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. The petitioners also point out that even if it did work, it would be insufficient to undo the environmental damage of continued fossil fuel expansion.
Therefore, the petitioners call on the government to stop any subsidies to the Pathways Alliance project and to do what is practical and meaningful, which is to reduce greenhouse gases, not expand them while pretending that carbon capture and storage will nullify the damage that expansion will inevitably produce.
Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK
Mr. Speaker, I have here a petition signed by dozens and dozens of residents near Indian Head, Saskatchewan. As members may know, the Liberal government has decided to cancel the funding for the agricultural research centre located at Indian Head. This facility does world-class research into crop development, drought resistance and pest resistance. Unfortunately, the Liberal government has decided to close this facility and a number of other research centres across the country.
The petitioners point out the good work that this centre does to help improve agricultural commodities and the benefits it has to the agricultural and agri-food sectors. They are calling on the government to reverse the cold-hearted and anti-science decision to close this research facility.
Adam Chambers Conservative Simcoe North, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is my honour and pleasure to rise today in the House of Commons on behalf of many residents, including the Friends of Wye Marsh in Midland, Ontario, who recognize that Canada holds 24% of the world's forests, over 20% of the world's fresh waters, three oceans and all the plants and animals that go in these ecosystems. These individuals are calling on the government to work with indigenous rights holders to protect more land, prevent degradation of the environment by holding companies responsible when they are doing work and, of course, to increase the amount of land that it conserves. I appreciate that and submit that to the House with great pleasure today.
Adam Chambers Conservative Simcoe North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have one more petition, with respect to a number of residents who are concerned by the government's cuts to the VHF weather broadcast. These individuals recognize that the VHF weather broadcast provides real-time weather updates in remote and rural locations across the country, including essential services to those who boat recreationally. It is important that these services be reinstated. The petitioners are calling on the government to reconsider its proposal to cut these very vital services, which help us prepare ourselves in time of emergency.
Terry Dowdall Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise here on behalf of petitioners from Simcoe—Grey once again. The Department of National Defence has purchased 700 acres of prime farmland with the goal of building an over-the-horizon radar system. This is fantastic land right on the edge of the Minesing wetlands. There are huge environmental concerns. In order for this to be operational, stage 2 would require up to another 3,000 acres. All the residents are worried about expropriation. This is prime farmland.
Petitioners are calling on the government to stop the building of the over-the-horizon site on the already purchased property, to prevent future acquisition of prime farmland and the building of the over-the-horizon site on prime farmland in Clearview Township, and to register the previously purchased property with the Ontario Farmland Trust to preserve its agricultural status. The municipality and all the neighbouring municipalities are opposed to this location.