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.
Adam van Koeverden LiberalSecretary of State (Sport)
Mr. Speaker, today we welcome the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from team Canada. They represent our country and wear the maple leaf and we could not be more proud.
Our world-class teams and athletes deserve a world-class sport system. We are building Canada strong from playground to podium by investing over $750 million to strengthen Canada's sport system.
I congratulate all members of team Canada. Go, Canada, go!
Fraser Tolmie Conservative Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK
Mr. Speaker, after much hype, the Minister of National Defence paraded the Snowbirds in front of the media for all of Canada to see. He then shamefully announced that the Snowbird team was grounded after the 2026 season and that the people behind them were losing their jobs.
Which Liberal government was wrong, the one that spent $30 million to keep them flying or the one that is prematurely grounding them? Both L3Harris and Magellan Aerospace, who inspected the jets, say the Tutors are safe to fly until 2030.
Was the squadron ever asked if the team could fly until 2030?
David McGuinty LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action to ensure that Canadians can continue—
National DefenceOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The hon. member for Regina—Lewvan should allow the minister to answer the question.
The minister can begin from the top.
David McGuinty Liberal Ottawa South, ON
Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action to ensure that Canadians can continue to enjoy the iconic nine-plane Snowbird formation for generations to come, and the member knows that. Instead of hyping things up, why does he not work with us? We announced a commitment to procure the CT-157, the Pilatus C-21, that will serve both the future Snowbirds team and pilot training. This new capability will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and is expected to be operational by the latest in the early 2030s. We intend to procure these aircraft quickly and we will do so.
Fraser Tolmie Conservative Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK
Mr. Speaker, if they are safe to fly now, why are they not safe to fly next year? The Liberal government took over a decade to sign the F-35 contract, which is now under review and delayed. If the Snowbird replacement follows that timeline, the team will not fly again until the 2040s.
For 55 years, the Snowbirds have been a jet team. The replacement the minister has announced is a propeller aircraft. Who made the decision not to pick jets?
David McGuinty LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, what we will not do on this side of the House is take our lead from social media sites. What we will do is work with the Royal Canadian Air Force. We will listen to the experts there. That is exactly what we have done. As the air force advances its air and space modernization efforts, we remain firmly committed to a future air demonstration capability that continues this proud legacy. Canadians across North America can look forward to the Snowbirds' distinctive nine-plane formation for generations to come in an outstanding replacement plane.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, SK
Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Rural Development, the only Liberal MP in Saskatchewan, called the grounding of the Snowbirds and the potential loss—
National DefenceOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
That was not provocative and it created disorder, so we will let the member start from the top, please.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, SK
Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Rural Development, the only Liberal MP in Saskatchewan, called the grounding of the Snowbirds and the potential loss of 80 jobs a very, very joyous and happy event. Given his track record for 26 years as an MLA, including eight as a cabinet minister for the NDP, this is not surprising. He destroyed our province for a generation, and he is living up to that record so far in his first term in Ottawa.
The Snowbirds are a Canadian icon, so why are the Liberals not keeping their promise and keeping this national symbol?
National DefenceOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Before we start, I would remind the member to go through the Chair, please.
Buckley Belanger LiberalSecretary of State (Rural Development)
Mr. Speaker, more Liberals from Saskatchewan are coming, so the cavalry is on its way.
We will take no lessons from the Conservatives over there. Why? Because they did nothing for 10 long years.
Since their absence from Saskatchewan to come over here and do nothing, what has happened back home? This headline reads, “Saskatchewan Value Added Agricultural Revenue Reaches Record $8.4 Billion”, which is twice as much as 10 years ago when you guys left Saskatchewan, so we will not take any lessons from you guys—
National DefenceOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I did not live in Saskatchewan. I never left it. It is a great province, but I never lived in Saskatchewan and I never left it.
The hon. member for Cardigan.
Kent MacDonald Liberal Cardigan, PE
Mr. Speaker, that is a hard act to follow, but as we are dealing with climate change, and it continues to increase the frequency and severity of emergencies like flooding, wildfires and storms, it is critical that indigenous communities are recognized as equal partners in emergency preparedness and response efforts that keep community members safe.
Can the Minister of Indigenous Services update this House on the historic agreement signed with the Abegweit First Nation and the Government of P.E.I., and on how our government is advancing indigenous-led approaches to emergency management and community resilience in P.E.I. and across the country?
Mandy Gull-Masty LiberalMinister of Indigenous Services
Mr. Speaker, we have just signed a historic, first-of-its-kind, multilateral emergency management agreement among the Abegweit First Nation, the Government of P.E.I. and our new government. I want to thank Chief Gould and his council for hosting this important event. The agreement recognizes Abegweit First Nation as a full and equal partner in emergency management. It strengthens planning, preparedness and coordination in regionally specific ways that are culturally appropriate and responsive to community needs.
Working in partnerships with indigenous people is something I am proud of doing.
Jonathan Rowe Conservative Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, NL
Mr. Speaker, after the Prime Minister took office, China announced a 25% tariff on Canadian seafood. A few months later, I was sitting right here listening to the Liberals brag about how they sold out the automotive industry, allowing thousands of Chinese spy cars onto our streets, to save the seafood industry, but that deal covered only two species. Other seafoods, including sea cucumber, are still at 25% tariffs.
Will the Prime Minister go to the wharves and speak with the Canadians whose jobs are at risk to justify this fishy deal?
Joanne Thompson LiberalMinister of Fisheries
Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure the member that I meet regularly with harvesters on the wharves, as well as here in Ottawa and across the country. I also meet with ambassadors across this country to bring forward the need for our seafood to enter into markets. I have colleagues who are doing the same thing.
I am going to ask the member if he is going to support small craft harbours, with almost $1 billion dollars in support for this industry. I will be watching how he votes.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon we will hear the hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie address the House one last time.
I thank him. I salute him. He is a man of integrity and courage.
My question is for the Minister of the Environment. Will she find the courage to fight for climate? Will she find the courage to fight for our future?
Julie Dabrusin LiberalMinister of the Environment
Mr. Speaker, I would like to assure the House and all Canadians that I and the entire team of people on the Liberal benches fight every day against climate change. We fight for good, strong climate policy that is unifying and pragmatic, and it will work. We are taking action. We are protecting nature. We are protecting the environment.
We are going to continue to do that work because we know that is what is best to build a strong Canada.
Presence in GalleryOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I wish to draw the attention of members to the presence in the gallery of three delegations: the delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentarians, hosted by the Canadian branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee; and the recipients of the 2026 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award.
It being 3:17 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, April 30, the House will now resolve itself into a committee of the whole to welcome Canada's 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes.
(House in committee of the whole to recognize the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games athletes, Francis Scarpaleggia in the chair)
And Canada's 2026 Olympic and Paralympic athletes being present in the chamber:
Canada's Olympic and Paralympic AthletesOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
On April 30, 2026, the following motion was adopted by unanimous consent of the House:
That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the House resolve itself into a committee of the whole in order to welcome Canada's 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes, provided that: (a) the Speaker make welcoming remarks on behalf of the House; (b) the names of the athletes present be deemed read and printed in the House of Commons Debates for that day; (c) when the proceedings of the committee have concluded, the committee shall rise; and (d) only authorized photographers be permitted to take photos during the proceedings of the committee.
I know that my hon. colleagues are as excited as I am to welcome these extraordinary Canadians. We have many athletes to celebrate, too many to fit all together at once in the chamber, so we will be welcoming them in two waves.
This means that we must be patient and disciplined to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
I draw the attention of colleagues to the last item of the motion I have just read and ask members not to take photos during the proceedings.
Now it is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome onto the floor of the House of Commons Canada's Olympians and Paralympians from the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.