House of Commons Hansard #123 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was workers.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Georgina's Law First reading of Bill S-242. The bill proposes a permanent national framework to combat intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, requiring government accountability while fostering collaboration among provinces and territories to protect women across Canada. 200 words.
Premature Disclosure of a Bill and its Elements to a Third Party Andrew Scheer alleges that the Liberal government fosters improper, cozy relationships with corporate insiders, arguing this trend warrants a privilege motion to investigate government ethics, outsourcing practices, and conflicts of interest. 500 words.
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 Second reading of Bill C-31. The bill is under second reading debate in the House of Commons. Following tributes for departing minister Steven Guilbeault, opposition members criticized the proposed budget, arguing it fails to address the cost of living crisis. Conservatives also denounced the legislation's defence procurement changes, proposing an amendment to reject the bill based on concerns regarding government accountability and transparency. 7300 words, 1 hour.
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No.2 Kevin Lamoureux argues against the request by the member for Mirabel to separate division 17 of Bill C-31 for voting, asserting that the air transportation amendments align with budget 2025 commitments and standing orders. 700 words.
Premature Disclosure of a Bill and its Elements to a Third Party Kevin Lamoureux argues against a question of privilege regarding Bill C-31, asserting that the government respected parliamentary procedure by ensuring the House had proper notice before introducing the budget implementation bill. 900 words.
Canada Labour Code Second reading of Bill C-247. The bill C-247 seeks to repeal section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to prevent government intervention in labour disputes. The Bloc supports protecting the right to strike, while the Liberals advocate for keeping this tool to ensure economic stability. Conversely, the Conservatives oppose overturning the section, arguing it is not inherently flawed despite criticizing the government's recent weaponization of it. 7600 words, 1 hour.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Patricia Lattanzio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, I was proud to welcome last week, here in Ottawa, more than 80 parliamentarians from 25 countries from across Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside indigenous leaders and youth, for the 10th gathering of the Open Parliament Network.
ParlAmericas has become the leading interparliamentary organization of the western hemisphere, connecting and engaging national legislatures to strengthen democracy, co-operation and collective action on trade, innovation, security and sustainability.
Through Canada's leadership on AI, security, climate action, food security and democratic governance, Canada is helping set the frameworks others will follow. We also witnessed the signing of an MOU between the United Nations' development program and ParlAmericas, reaffirming the commitment to collaborative legislative action and strengthening co-operation throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.
Muchas gracias to the participating parliamentarians who made the gathering possible, memorable and successful.
Dean Allison Conservative Niagara West, ON
Mr. Speaker, as a member of Parliament, I attend some fantastic events with some of the most amazing people in the world. Shine On was one such event, held on a beautiful Niagara evening. It was hosted by John Howard of Megalomaniac winery, and we could feel right away that it was something special. It really spoke to the kind of community we have and that I am so proud to represent.
What stood out most to me at the event was the leadership from Kevin and Linda Luttjehuizen and their daughter Kaitlyn. Kevin and Linda are proud owners of Harmony Jewellers. They have raised over $1 million for the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and McNally House Hospice, two of the most important organizations in our community. What an incredible contribution that is by this family.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Harmony Jewellers. After five decades of support from the community, they are making sure they return that support in a meaningful way. Given the challenges that Harmony Jewellers and its staff have faced over the past year, seeing that kind of generosity and resilience on display was remarkable.
It was one of those nights that remind us of what our community is really all about.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor Liberal Moncton—Dieppe, NB
Mr. Speaker, with the death of Robert K. Irving earlier this month, New Brunswick has lost one of its greatest business and community leaders. Mr. Irving and his brother, Jim, were co-chief executive officers of J.D. Irving, Limited, which employs more than 20,000 New Brunswickers and drives economic activity that employs thousands more. At the time of his death, Robert Irving had been the face of JDI's operation in the greater Moncton area for nearly 50 years.
He was often the face of philanthropy in our community as well, publicly and privately contributing to more good causes, large and small, than anyone could count. Mr. Irving will also be remembered for his founding and ownership of the Moncton Wildcats, the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League team that delighted and inspired hockey fans from around New Brunswick and also across Canada.
On behalf of the people of Moncton—Dieppe and the entire community, I want to offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Jill, to his four children and to his entire family. May he rest in peace.
Rhonda Kirkland Conservative Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Oshawa's most cherished annual traditions, Fiesta Week.
For 52 years, Fiesta Week has brought our community together through cultural performances, traditional foods, costumes and displays from around the world. This year, residents and visitors will once again experience long-standing Greek, Caribbean, French Canadian, Polish, German, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian pavilions. We are also proud to welcome the new Indian pavilion and welcome back the Hungarian pavilion. Volunteers work all year long preparing for this week-long celebration.
I encourage everyone to join us in Oshawa from June 21 to 27 to experience 14 incredible cultural pavilions in our city. The doors are open, and people do not want to miss it. Follow along with Oshawa Fiesta Week on Facebook.
Happy Fiesta Week, Oshawa.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 40th anniversary of Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, a pillar of economic development in our region. For four decades, it has been staunchly and passionately supporting the entrepreneurs, municipalities and organizations that help make Vaudreuil-Soulanges a vibrant, innovative and prosperous region. Thanks to its leadership, hundreds of projects have been launched, businesses have grown and our community has flourished, while remaining close-knit and continuing to provide a high quality of life.
I want to acknowledge the remarkable work of the entire team at Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, its partners and all those who have contributed to this collective success over the past 40 years. On behalf of the people of Vaudreuil, I wish this organization many more years of success.
John Barlow Conservative Foothills, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the remarkable life of the iconic Albertan Don Seaman. His influence in Alberta and all of Canada will be felt for generations, especially by his friends and family and by the business leaders he mentored.
A visionary pioneer of Alberta's energy sector, Don helped build Canada's economy, but his impact will reach far beyond business. In the true spirit of “build it and they will come”, Don helped build a field of dreams in Okotoks, where Seaman Stadium is the crown jewel of Canadian baseball. He literally placed the building blocks not only of a stadium but also of the renowned Okotoks Dawgs Baseball program, which stands as a proud symbol of his commitment to youth, sport and country. Through the Donald and Eleanor Seaman Family Foundation, he supported education, health care and community development, and he improved countless lives.
Now as we celebrate Don's beloved Dawgs' 20th baseball season in Okotoks, I will remember him sitting in the warm summer sun watching baseball, savouring a life well lived with thousands of friends in what we now call our field of dreams.
Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON
Mr. Speaker, from May 17 to May 23, we mark Paramedic Services Week, a time to honour the dedicated professionals who respond with compassion during Canadians' most difficult moments. In Orléans and across Ottawa, paramedics serve our community every day with courage, professionalism and care. To all those who answer the calls, I thank them.
It was very important for me to recognize their work and fully support the project to build a national paramedic monument in Ottawa. This monument will be a lasting symbol of our gratitude and will pay tribute to paramedics' dedication and sacrifice.
I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Norm Robillard, a retired paramedic from Ottawa, and the vital work that has been done by the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation.
Paramedics deserve recognition equal to their dedication. Their service inspires unity and gratitude in communities across Canada.
John Brassard Conservative Barrie South—Innisfil, ON
Mr. Speaker, this evening I will have the honour of co-hosting the annual Terry Fox Humanitarian Awards, where 15 exceptional young Canadians will be recognized for receiving one of our country's most prestigious scholarships.
From Surrey, B.C., to St. John's, Newfoundland, the 2026 cohort represents communities across our country united by a shared commitment to service, compassion and leadership. These students carry Terry Fox's spirit forward through leadership in community service, academics, athletics and humanitarianism while the award is supporting them through their undergraduate studies so they can continue making a difference in their communities and abroad.
To the 2026 cohort and graduating recipients, I say that Parliament recognizes and commends their remarkable leadership and dedication to serving others. They reflect the very best of Canada and serve as an inspiration to Canadians across the country.
I would also like to recognize award recipient Pania Ghaneian and award graduate Caleb Small from my riding of Barrie South—Innisfil. On behalf of the community, I say that we are incredibly proud of all they have already accomplished and are excited to see all they will continue to achieve in the years ahead.
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of Ottawa Senators fans in the Outaouais region, and we salute them. However, there are also a lot of fans who love truly great hockey, and they want to watch the Montreal Canadiens' playoff games at the Slush Puppie Centre.
However, the National Hockey League and the Senators are standing in their way. They invoked territorial rights to prevent Habs games from being broadcast in the arena. If the Senators want their games to be broadcast, all they have to do is not get eliminated after just four games.
As a result, the people of Gatineau are missing out on a great event. Worse still, a local mental health organization is missing out on tens of thousands of dollars, because proceeds from ticket sales were supposed to go to it.
Yesterday, the Quebec National Assembly unanimously joined the City of Gatineau and 7,700 petitioners in calling on the league and the Senators to back down. Quebec is Habs country, and that includes the home region of “Le Démon Blond”.
Fans should be able to get together to cheer the Canadiens on all the way to the cup, because the people of Gatineau are chanting “Go, Habs, go”.
Terry Sheehan Liberal Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have some great news for the House. On Friday the Minister of Industry joined me at Tenaris, and we announced over $70 million in funding towards a project that is going to maintain 811 jobs and is also going to create 200 new jobs.
As members know, I was elected in 2015, and when I was elected, Tenaris had only 25 people working there. It lay the blame squarely on the previous government for lack of inaction on supporting steel. However, today we are celebrating 1,111 workers who are working to support Canada to become the energy superpower the Prime Minister has said we will be, and the Tenaris workers are going to make that vision become a reality. Let us celebrate the success in front of the tariffs and this unjust, unreasonable situation.
I congratulate Tenaris.
Matt Strauss Conservative Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure today to welcome 58 students and staff from Jacob Hespeler Secondary School in my hometown of Hespeler, who are visiting Parliament Hill today to observe our democracy in action. These students are taking part in an important learning experience, gaining first-hand insight into Canada's parliamentary system, civic engagement and public service.
I would like to recognize the dedication of the teachers and chaperones, Dave Lambert, Ashley Pederson, Mishelle Bird and Cole Boland, for helping to guide and inspire the next generation.
I welcome all 58 members of the Jacob Hespeler Secondary School visiting today to Ottawa. I hope their visit encourages them to stay engaged and involved in shaping the future of our communities and our country. To the Liberal members across the aisle, Conservatives will be asking hard questions today that pertain to the real-life future prospects of these young people. I beg them to try actually answering today and put on a proper show.
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Mr. Speaker, May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month in Ontario. Every day, news stories show how widespread and devastating intimate partner and sexual violence is across Canada. These are not isolated incidents. They are not private matters. They are part of a systemic crisis with real human and social costs.
In Canada, a recent report shows that sexual violence costs nearly $15 billion every year in lost wages, counselling, investigation, courts and more. About one in three police-reported violent incidents involves IPV, and we know that this is the tip of the iceberg.
Bill C-16 would expand protections, increase access and help address systemic vulnerability, but cops, courts and counselling are all after the fact. Prevention must be the goal, through education, early intervention and addressing root causes, including gender inequality, racism and discrimination.
I thank Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, support teams at the University of Guelph and Guelph General Hospital, Victim Services Guelph, Guelph Police Service, and groups like them across Canada. Ending sexual violence is not just their work. It must be all of ours and it must be done every day.
Ned Kuruc Conservative Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, just the other day, while I was filling up on gas in Stoney Creek, a member of my community commented on how ridiculous these gas prices are, and I could not agree more. Gas prices are 10% higher in Canada than they are in the United States, which is costing Canadians an average of 16¢ more per litre.
Canadians want relief. The Liberal finance minister says they have already acted, but they have only acted on one-third of the taxes for one-third of the year. Our Conservative plan to remove all Liberal taxes on gas and diesel would save a family of four in Hamilton $1,200 per year.
If the Liberals support our Conservative motion today, we could bring real relief at the pumps. It is what Canadians want, but more importantly, it is what Canadians deserve. Canadians have been getting squeezed for way too long, and this is a great opportunity to put money back in their pockets. Let us do the right thing today and vote yes for our Conservative motion. Let us give Canadians the win they deserve.
Madeleine Chenette Liberal Thérèse-De Blainville, QC
Mr. Speaker, as we saw during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes show us what is possible when talent, hard work and opportunity come together. Today, we have the privilege of recognizing and thanking these extraordinary athletes here in Ottawa.
Last winter, team Canada brought home 21 medals, finishing eighth in the overall standings, and at the Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian athletes proudly added 15 medals. Every athlete competed with heart, perseverance and excellence. With podium finishes and many personal bests, they demonstrated the talent, character and determination that define Canadian sport.
To all our athletes, we want to say that we are proud to have seen them wear the maple leaf and represent Canada on the world stage.
I would also like to thank the coaches, families, volunteers, support staff, officials, and the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee for their dedication to our athletes.
On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for inspiring the next generation of Canadian sporting heroes.
Scot Davidson Conservative New Tecumseth—Gwillimbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are finding themselves on the outside looking in. The Liberal government is wasting insane amounts of money and driving up inflation while our citizens cannot afford to eat or house themselves. It is enough to blow the hat right off one's head. It has spent $300 million on the PrescribeIT scandal, $800 million on their gun buyback program, $12 billion on foreign aid, $19 billion on government insiders, $1 billion on health care for fake refugees and $200 million on a concrete launch pad. It is like something right out of Spaceballs.
Canadians are right to be angry. They are being forced into food banks, living on the streets and waiting years for basic medical procedures while the Liberals keep on wasting taxpayer dollars. Why is it that our people are always at the back of the line in their own country? When will the Prime Minister start putting Canadians first?
Ben Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, in life, if we are lucky, our paths will cross with those of some truly extraordinary people. My dear friend, Jeff Kovalik-Plouffe, was one of them.
On May 12, we lost this incredibly kind, generous and loyal man at the age of only 43. He gave back to the community and served proudly as a key member of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen basketball team. He served admirably in senior roles supporting federal ministers here in Ottawa, one of whom was my late father, Jim Carr.
Jeff was well known to many who sit in this chamber for his incredible spirit. He managed my father's campaigns, as well as mine in 2023. When my dad was diagnosed in the hospital with cancer, Jeff was there. As my dad neared his final breath, Jeff was there. Whenever I needed him, Jeff was there, notwithstanding everything that was going on in his life. Jeff faced more health challenges than anybody should ever have to endure, but he met every one of them with strength, courage and grace. He never complained. He just kept going.
We will miss him dearly, and we are very grateful for the contributions that he and his family have made to this country. May his memory be a blessing.
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, while families are wondering how they will pay for their groceries each month, this Liberal Prime Minister continues to max out the national credit card to fund one scandal after another: $300 million wasted on PrescribeIT, $200 million on a space project located on land that cost next to nothing, $742 million on confiscating firearms from law-abiding hunters. The result: higher costs, higher taxes, higher debt and higher inflation. Gas prices have soared by 28.6%. Grocery bills continue to stretch families thin.
When will this Liberal Prime Minister put a stop to his credit card budgets?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, early this morning, even before this MP or his colleagues rose to speak, Canada announced that we are back in the business of building military jets. We also announced that we are exporting liquefied natural gas to Europe. These are incredible partnerships with Europe. These are incredible partnerships that will create jobs and opportunities right here in Canada. That is how we will build a country.
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians will soon realize that, just like the Liberals' other announcements, these announcements are merely illusions. Nothing ever comes of any of their announcements. Canadian families are working harder than ever, so why are they getting poorer? The reason is because this government is spending taxpayer money like there is no tomorrow. Food inflation is 3.8%. Families are now spending over 100% of their income on food and housing.
This Liberal Prime Minister is just another costly Liberal. Is he going to stop spending recklessly for his buddies' benefit and start looking after ordinary people instead?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, my colleague just referred to some good news today for the over 3,000 people who are about to get jobs because of the new partnership between Saab and Bombardier. Finally, we are going to get a surveillance aircraft not only for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, but for the whole world. The United Arab Emirates, France and several other NATO countries want to buy this aircraft, which is finally going to be manufactured in Canada by Canadians.
Carol Anstey Conservative Long Range Mountains, NL
Mr. Speaker, costly Liberal policies drive inflation up, forcing Canadians to pay more for gas, food and rent. Members do not need to take my word for it. The April stats prove it. Inflation, gas prices and food prices are all up, yet the Liberal Prime Minister keeps spending: $290 million for the failed PrescribeIT scandal, $200 million for a gravel space pad in a Liberal riding and $742 million for a failed gun grab. It is more costs, more taxes, more debt and more on the national credit card.
The Prime Minister is just another costly Liberal with nothing to show for his waste. When will he stop?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, do members know what Canadians are not talking about? It is whatever was written by the Leader of the Opposition for that member.
Do members know what they are talking about? They are talking about the first-ever long-term contract for liquid natural gas off our west coast, a partnership with indigenous peoples, a partnership that lasts and a partnership with our allies, and that was all before noon. There is the first-ever deal with Sweden to manufacture military aircraft here in Canada, with 3,000 jobs. That is just before noon. We are just getting going.
Carol Anstey Conservative Long Range Mountains, NL
Mr. Speaker, Canadians do not want empty promises and empty announcements. The minister can deflect, but the reality is that rent has skyrocketed. After years of costly Liberal housing failures, energy prices rise because the Liberal government's identity is to punish Canadian energy and target regular families.
With the Liberal Prime Minister, it is more costs, more inflation and more of the same. He is just another Liberal. Will he finally admit that his tax-and-spend agenda has failed, stop using the credit card and support the Conservative plan to make Canada affordable again?
Joanne Thompson LiberalMinister of Fisheries
Mr. Speaker, I have good news for that member. There is almost $1 billion for a small craft harbours. The member may not speak to her constituents, but they speak to me. They are excited. They see this as an opportunity. I invite the member to speak to her constituents.