House of Commons Hansard #108 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was treaty.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
National Strategy for Soil Health Act First reading of Bill S-230. The bill proposes creating a national strategy for soil health preservation, aiming to treat soil as a strategic asset by coordinating research, farming practices, industry, and government efforts across Canada. 200 words.
Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act Second reading of Bill C-21. The bill, Bill C-21, seeks to正式 Recognize/debates/2026/4/22/rebecca-alty-1/] the Red River Métis self-government treaty, establishing a government-to-government relationship with the Manitoba Métis Federation. Supporters position it as a [historic milestone in reconciliation, formalizing Métis jurisdiction over internal affairs. Conversely, some opposition members express concerns about the lack of meaningful consultation with other Indigenous groups and warn that the treaty’s legal ambiguity may create jurisdictional conflicts or negatively impact the rights of other affected parties. 17000 words, 2 hours.
Living Donor Recognition Medal Act Report stage of Bill C-234. The bill establishes the Living Donor Recognition Medal to honour those who donate organs. Widely supported by all members, the legislation intends to increase awareness of life-saving transplants needed across Canada. During final consideration, MPs highlighted the profound personal impact of these contributions, after which the House unanimously passed the measure at third reading. 6500 words, 45 minutes.
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised he would negotiate a win on trade by last summer, but from his recent video, he seems to be throwing in the towel. The Council of Forest Industries said that last year softwood tariffs had tripled, to 45%, since 2022; 15,000 forestry jobs have been lost; and since 2023, 21 more mills have closed.
I ask the Prime Minister how many thousands of B.C. forestry workers need to lose their jobs before he keeps his promise to negotiate a win?
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, we have announced $2.5 billion in targeted support for the businesses and workers in the forestry sector. We have just finished an industry task force for recommendations on how to do more. We will pivot to grow. That $2.5 billion will be used to help the 300 communities dependent on forestry in this country.
Tony Baldinelli Conservative Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Mr. Speaker, 2.6 million Canadians depend on trade with the United States for their livelihoods. Niagara is home to 641 businesses that generated $6.6 billion in exports to the United States. Trade with the U.S. is not a weakness, as the Liberal Prime Minister suggests. It is our daily reality.
Mexico and the U.S. are talking trade right now. Meanwhile, Canada has not had serious talks with our largest trading partner in five months. Why is the Liberal government dragging its feet?
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 in serious negotiations with the United States because we are in a trade war. In a trade war, we have to do the serious work of supporting Canadian businesses. At FedDev Ontario, we put hundreds of millions of dollars into Canadian businesses, many of them in Conservative ridings, and they need that support. This includes Dishon in Vaughan, MVA in Stratford and Sensor Technology in Collingwood.
The Conservatives should listen to these business people. They are supporting our efforts to build a bridge to the future. The Conservatives have to get on board.
Chris d'Entremont Liberal Acadie—Annapolis, NS
Mr. Speaker, supporting our military with our plan to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in our Canadian Armed Forces is a priority for our new government. Our riding is home to CFB Greenwood, the largest air base in the east coast. Federal investments will support paid infrastructure, RPAS drones and building 208 new housing units.
As we strengthen our armed forces, could the Minister of National Defence outline the measures that our government is taking to support CAF members and families based across Canada?
David McGuinty LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Acadie—Annapolis for his advocacy on behalf of the brave men and women of Canadian Forces Base Greenwood.
Our soldiers, sailors and aviators do important and incredible work, and we need more of them. That is why we have been reinvesting in our people. We have given members of our forces a well-deserved pay raise. We are getting them the tools, the weapons, the equipment and the housing they need. Recruitment has just hit a 30‑year high. We are just getting started.
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
Mr. Speaker, Brampton families are living in fear. Extortion and organized crime are targeting small business and families. This week, multiple tow trucks were set on fire. Police believe these were targeted attacks. This is not isolated. My community is terrified. It is a growing pattern of violence and intimidation.
When will these Liberals adopt our Conservative plan to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our communities?
Ruby Sahota LiberalSecretary of State (Combatting Crime)
Mr. Speaker, it is about time that the Conservatives wake up. The second bill that we introduced in Parliament was Bill C-2, which included lawful access. However, after many, many months of Conservative delay, we have had to bring that bill back to Parliament as Bill C-22. Just yesterday, members of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police were on the Hill, and they were commending the work that has been done to bring lawful access forward because they know that this is exactly what is needed to help solve extortion cases.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, 130 students from Gaza have been waiting over two years to continue their studies at 26 Canadian universities, including the University of Alberta. These brilliant graduate students have survived genocide. They have lost family members. They are trying to get into universities to continue their study, despite the fact that the Israeli forces have destroyed every university in Gaza. The U.K., France, Ireland and Italy have gotten students out of Gaza, but Canada has refused to expedite the process, and it is an international embarrassment.
I want to know why the minister is not acting. Is it—
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Lena Metlege Diab LiberalMinister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Gaza. Anyone looking to come to Canada, including international students, must meet our visa requirements. We understand that this can be challenging, but it is necessary.
IRCC will continue to process study permit applications for those students in Gaza, and our visa application centres in neighbouring countries are offering expedited processing where possible. We will continue to do everything we can for the students in Gaza and everywhere else.
The House resumed from April 15 consideration of the motion that Bill S-211, An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Bill S-211 National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being 3:10 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill S-211, under Private Members' Business.
Call in the members.
Bill S-211 National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion adopted. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
The House resumed from Thursday, April 16, consideration of the motion that Bill C-238, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (restitution orders), be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Bill C-238 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-238, under Private Members' Business.
Bill C-238 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
The House resumed from April 20 consideration of the motion that Bill C-226, An Act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Bill C-226 National Framework for Food Price Transparency ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-226, under Private Members' Business.
Bill C-226 National Framework for Food Price Transparency ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
(Motion agreed to, bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
The House resumed from April 21 consideration of the motion.
Use of Federal Lands for VeteransPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on Motion No. 16 under Private Members' Business in the name of the member for Cumberland—Colchester.
The question is as follows. Shall I dispense?