House of Commons Hansard #111 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was liberals.
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 Third reading of Bill C-225. The bill aims to combat intimate partner violence by strengthening criminal justice measures regarding coercive control and homicide sentencing. It introduces targeted bail reforms to better protect victims. Members from all parties highlight the collaborative drafting process and agree that this legislation is a necessary step to address escalating threats, resulting in the bill passing its third reading. 7100 words, 1 hour.
Motion That Debate Be Not Further Adjourned Liberal House Leader Steven MacKinnon moves to end debate on Government Business No. 9, a motion proposing that committee membership ratios be adjusted to reflect the Liberal Party’s recent attainment of a majority. Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois strongly dissent, characterizing the effort as an undemocratic attempt to stifle oversight. MacKinnon maintains the change upholds parliamentary tradition and ensures committees function efficiently. 4100 words, 30 minutes.
Consideration of Government Business No.9 Members debate a government motion to adjust the composition of standing committees following recent floor crossings. Conservatives and the Bloc argue the proposed "supermajority" undermines democratic norms and accountability by ignoring the will of the voters, while Liberals maintain that increasing their committee membership simply aligns with Westminster traditions to reflect their new majority standing in the House, stressing the importance of collaboration and unity. 6400 words, 40 minutes.
Government Business No. 9—Changes to the Standing Orders Members debate Motion No. 9, which restructures parliamentary committees to grant the governing Liberal Party a majority. Conservative and Bloc MPs condemn the move as an undemocratic power grab designed to limit legislative scrutiny and oversight of government initiatives and scandals like ArriveCan. Conversely, Liberal members argue that parliamentary tradition necessitates that a majority in the House must be reflected in standing committee composition. The House ultimately votes to pass the motion. 41200 words, 6 hours.
Helena Konanz Conservative Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve accountability, as $300 million was spent on PrescribeIT to replace pharmacy fax machines, with nothing to show for it. Liberal obstruction at committee has prevented Canadians from finding out where the money went. That is enough. We need a full investigation.
Will the Minister of Health agree to our call for the non-partisan Auditor General of Canada to investigate this $300-million boondoggle?
Marjorie Michel LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I would say that the Ministry of Health is there to support Canadians. I will tell you that challenges like this highlight the need for our connected care for Canadians act, which would break down silos in the health care system.
I invite you to support Bill S-5, which will be coming to the House very soon.
HealthOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I would remind the minister that answers must be directed through the Chair.
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Speaker, older Canadians are some of the most engaged members of the Scarborough—Agincourt community. Whether advocating on affordability issues, volunteering their time or sharing their wisdom, seniors in my community are always there to strengthen the neighbourhood.
Could the Secretary of State for Seniors tell the House how the federal government is helping seniors across Canada with the rising cost of living while also promoting initiatives that keep older Canadians active, connected and thriving in their communities?
Stephanie McLean LiberalSecretary of State (Seniors)
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for highlighting the incredible contributions that she makes to her community for seniors. I have seen it first-hand.
Just last week, I announced over $54 million in funding for the new horizons for seniors program, which will go to more than 2,600 grassroots programs across the country benefiting seniors. With this investment, organizations like S.E.A.S. Centre in the member's riding will offer digital literacy workshops and cultural events to promote healthy, active aging. Whether it is building digital skills or organizing community meals, we continue to invest across the country no matter where seniors live.
Jacob Mantle Conservative York—Durham, ON
Mr. Speaker, for generations, family farms have fed Canadians and the world. For generations, those farms have been passed from one family member to the next. The Liberals should not be making that harder, but that is where we are.
If a farm is passed to a child, it is tax-deferred. If a farm is passed to another family member, it is fully taxed. The result is that over 57,000 farms have been lost in the last 20 years. That hurts farming families in my community, like Steve Cooper in Uxbridge, who wants to pass his farm to his nephew, but he cannot.
Will the Minister of Finance fix the Income Tax Act and make it easier for families to pass on farms to the next generation?
Heath MacDonald LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Mr. Speaker, it is important for generational farming, and we are fully well aware of it. It is something that, through the national policy framework with stakeholders across the country, has been brought up a couple of times. I will have further discussions with the Minister of Finance.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, on the west coast, commercial fish harvesters, the people actually doing the fishing, are being pushed out. Corporate concentration and growing foreign ownership of licences and quota are driving up costs and draining wealth out of coastal communities. We do not even know who owns much of this quota because there is no public registry. Meanwhile, on the east coast, an owner-operator model protects independent fish harvesters and keeps the value in local communities. It is like we are living in two different countries.
When will the Liberals fix this and bring in a west coast owner-operator model, increase transparency and stop foreign and corporate ownership of our fisheries?
Joanne Thompson LiberalMinister of Fisheries
Mr. Speaker, I have been very clear that I support owner-operator models. I am working closely with indigenous partners and all engaged in the fishery on the west coast to co-develop a model that works for the west coast and fits the needs of those engaged in the industry.
It is important that this natural resource remains closely tied to our rural coastal indigenous communities.
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is common practice here in the House to ensure that there is an agreement between the whips when documents are to be distributed. That is the first thing.
Second, we are in a country with two official languages, English and French. Unfortunately, to my great surprise as an MP, I found two documents on my desk this morning that were in English only.
These documents were distributed by a Liberal member. Is this standard practice for the Liberal Party or was it an oversight? Could the Speaker tell whoever distributed the documents to comply with the obligation to respect both official languages next time?
Fisheries and OceansOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Yes, it is our duty to ensure that all materials are distributed in both official languages. I would like to remind all members that they must show consideration for the bilingual nature of this institution.
Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, as was agreed during question period, I would like to ask for consent to table the list of wasteful Liberal spending that drives up inflation. The $90 billion for—
Fisheries and OceansOral Questions
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 25 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.
Ruby Sahota Liberal Brampton North—Caledon, ON
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-29, An Act to establish the Financial Crimes Agency and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts and regulations.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 104 and 114, I would be honoured to present, in both official languages, the 24th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, regarding the membership of committees of the House.
If the House gives its consent, I move that the 24th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs 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)
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, before I get to the petition at hand, I would like to wish a very happy birthday to my son, Rohan, who celebrated his birthday this weekend. I would also like to send birthday wishes in advance to my daughter, Aviana, whose birthday is in July, as we will not be in session.
As we serve in the House, I am reminded that everything we do is for the future of our children. I am incredibly proud of my children. They impress me every day with their kindness, strength and promise of a hopeful future. To my wife Michelle, the heart of our family, I wish her a very happy Mother's Day, well in advance. I thank her for all that she does for us.
The petition I have is from the good friends and folks of Windsor West. First of all, they would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your strong support in the previous Parliament for Bill C-248. While that bill did not make it across the finish line due to prorogation, the hard work behind it and the voices of people—
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I believe we are on petitions, not members' statements. I acknowledge what the member said, but I think we should get on to the petitions.
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, the good people of Windsor West would like to thank you for your strong support in the previous Parliament for Bill C-248. While that bill did not make it across the finish line—
Ojibway National Urban ParkPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
Ojibway National Urban ParkPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I guess we cannot argue with that.
I would ask the member to move it along and just summarize his petition.
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, they appreciate your support.
This petition has been signed by Canadians from Windsor and across the country. It is calling for strong, lasting protections for national urban parks, including the Ojibway Prairie Complex. The petitioners recognize Canada's commitment to establishing up to 15 national urban parks by 2030, including one in Windsor.
The petitions know that Ojibway is not just a green space, but one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the country, home to species at risk and deeply tied to our local identity. They are asking for clear science-based boundaries and a strong legislative framework that puts ecological integrity first. Once these lands are lost, they are lost for good. They are also calling for the meaningful participation of indigenous nations alongside local communities in protecting and stewarding these lands for generations to come.
For the people of Windsor, this is not just about policy, it is about legacy. It is about making sure our kids and grandkids inherit something—