House of Commons Hansard #118 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was alert.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Regulating the Online Use of Deepfakes Act First reading of Bill C-277. The bill mandates transparency and regulation for online deepfakes, requiring platforms to label manipulated content, create user reporting mechanisms, and take reasonable steps to prevent and remove harmful, non-consensual digital replicas of Canadians. 200 words.
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act Second reading of Bill C-30. The bill implements provisions of the spring economic update, sparking heated debate over fiscal policy. Conservative members criticize the government's deficit spending and the creation of a proposed sovereign wealth fund. Conversely, Liberal members defend the update, highlighting measures for housing, affordability, and health care as necessary support for Canadians during a period of global economic uncertainty. 10100 words, 1 hour.
Silver Alert National Framework Act Second reading of Bill C-263. The bill proposes a national framework for silver alerts to locate missing seniors with dementia by leveraging mobile alert technology. While proponents argue the initiative will save vulnerable lives, and the government plans to support the legislation at committee, the Bloc Québécois raises concerns regarding jurisdiction, questioning whether federal intervention over effective provincial systems creates unnecessary bureaucracy. 8500 words, 1 hour.
Adjournment Debate - Health Dan Mazier and Helena Konanz criticize the government for wasting $300 million on the failed PrescribeIT program and accuse Liberals of silencing committee investigations by shutting off cameras. Tim Louis defends the program's termination due to low usage, arguing the government is responsibly managing taxpayer resources and health infrastructure. 1900 words, 10 minutes.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Taleeb Noormohamed Liberal Vancouver Granville, BC
Mr. Speaker, this May, Canadians mark Asian Heritage Month, and someone who comes from a city like Vancouver, as I do, does not have to look far to understand why that matters.
There is no one Asian story in Canada; there are tens of thousands. They are written in many languages, carried through many faiths, shaped by many histories and lived through families that crossed oceans, built lives from nothing, endured exclusion and still chose to give this country their labour, their hope and their children's future. Those of us who grew up in Vancouver know this story well. We know it in the restaurants that feed us, the businesses that raise up our neighbourhoods, the music and festivals that fill our streets, the athletes who carry our pride and the volunteers who show up for community day after day.
Asian Canadians did not simply arrive in Canada. They have helped build it. They have established communities, preserved culture and built bonds across differences. This month we honour that legacy and this commitment, not as a footnote to Canadian history but as a critical story in that history and in Canada's future.
I invite all members of the—
Asian Heritage MonthStatements by Members
Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB
Mr. Speaker, today is McHappy day, a day when every purchase at McDonald's helps support families through the Ronald McDonald House charities. In Alberta, 65% of families live outside a city with a children's hospital, meaning that many families must travel far from home and their support networks to access specialized care. In these moments, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a home away from home to families right across Canada. Last year, from Fort McMurray—Cold Lake alone, 52 families benefited from Ronald McDonald House stays, each bringing a little more normalcy and a chance for kids to be kids and for families to connect.
When a child is seriously ill, families should not have to worry about where they will sleep or where their next meal is going to come from. Ronald McDonald House provides comfort, stability and a place to stay during some of life's most difficult moments.
I encourage all Canadians to take part in McHappy day and help make a meaningful difference for families in need.
Helena Jaczek Liberal Markham—Stouffville, ON
Mr. Speaker, May is Polish Heritage Month in Canada, and Poland's May 3, 1791, constitution is one of the most important events in Poland's history. It has inspired generations of Poles hoping to keep alive aspirations for independence and democracy.
Canada's first recorded Polish immigrant arrived in 1752, and since then, waves of immigration have formed Canada's Polish community, which is now a million people strong in communities from coast to coast to coast. As chair of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group, and with my own Polish roots, I am proud to say Canada's polish community is as strong and vibrant as ever. Poland has become Canada's close NATO ally and our largest trading partner in central and eastern Europe, and our ties continue to grow.
Join us tomorrow at 9 a.m. for the Polish flag raising on Parliament Hill.
Za naszą i waszą wolność, for our freedom and yours.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, in loving memory of my sister-in-law Marlène Beaudoin, an energetic, dedicated woman who loved her family: her husband Yvon, her children Jonathan, Myriam and Catherine, and her six beloved grandchildren. Always ready to protect us so that we would want for nothing, Marlène leaves us with indelible memories of her devotion to her loved ones.
She was the centre of attention in our family. Her infectious laughter reminds us of the importance of family gatherings at her home and at the family cottage. She loved us dearly, and we loved her just as much. Her resilience over the past decade proved to us what an exceptional woman she was.
We miss her already. May she rest in peace with the love of her entire family.
Jennifer McKelvie Liberal Ajax, ON
Mr. Speaker, May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a time for the MS community to come together and raise awareness about this neurological disease. Canadians are wearing carnations today because they are a symbol of hope for the MS community.
Everyone's experience with the disease is different. The symptoms, severity and effectiveness of treatment can vary, which is why the work of MS Canada is so important. Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, with more than 90,000 Canadians living with this disease, including my mother, who has been paralyzed by MS.
This is a pivotal moment for Canada to invest in MS research. The latest science provides hope that MS can be prevented in our lifetime. Let us work together to build a stronger future for Canadians with multiple sclerosis.
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to mark the 110th anniversary of the 619 Beauceville Cadet Corps. Since its official founding on September 28, 1915, this unit has left its mark on the history of our community.
Behind those 110 years are generations of young people who have learned discipline, respect, bravery, mutual support and the drive to excel. There are also cherished memories, lasting friendships, proud families, officers, instructors and volunteers who have given their time to guide our young people and instill in them a passion for service.
The 619 Cadet Corps is more than just a youth organization. It is a school of life. It is a pillar of Beauceville. It is a tradition that continues to inspire.
I want to salute the cadets, alumni, officers, instructors, volunteers and everyone involved in the cadet corps who have been there for so many years. I wish the 619 Beauceville Cadet Corps a happy 110th anniversary.
Jenna Sudds Liberal Kanata, ON
Mr. Speaker, this week Canada staked its claim in the global photonics and semiconductor race. Our government announced the spinoff of the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre, North America's only end-to-end pure-play compound semiconductor facility, which is built on a legacy stretching from Bell Northern Research and Nortel to the globally competitive companies thriving in Canada today.
Now it has what it needs to reach its full potential, attracting private investment and growing innovative Canadian SMEs and fabrication capacity right here in Canada to meet the soaring global demand in AI, quantum and advanced defence systems. It will remain what it has always been, a proudly sovereign Canadian asset.
I am grateful to the Kanata North Business Association, the National Research Council and every industry champion who helped make this vision possible.
Canada has the talent and the companies. Now it is our place to take the lead.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have a surprising project to tell members about. Imagine this: no fences, beautiful townhouse-style living, tennis courts, and fishing in the Rideau River over the summertime. No, I am not talking about a new housing project. I am talking about a jail, a penitentiary in fact, that houses notorious sex offender and child killer Darren Scott Ray. That is right. This person was considered so dangerous that police had to follow him around everywhere he went when he was released for just 72 hours, yet he lives in a jail without fences and with a little slice of paradise, having comforts like a tennis court, a beautiful kitchen and all the freedom in the world.
The Liberals bungled this with Bill C-83 and their “least restrictive” measure. Why is it that somebody who is a child-killing sex offender who needs to be supervised every single minute can live in a place without fences?
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, SK
Mr. Speaker, May is MS Awareness Month, and Canada has some of the highest rates of MS in the world, with 12 people diagnosed every single day in Canada.
This year focuses on the invisible symptoms of MS, which often lead to misunderstandings and barriers. For people who are living with MS, such as my wife Kyla, a lot of this has to do with severe fatigue. This is connected with sensory issues, chronic pain such as the MS hug, and mental or emotional symptoms. This all goes hand in hand with MS being unpredictable and inconsistent. As an episodic disability, it has a range of symptoms that fluctuate, with relapses and flare-ups.
Despite these special challenges, the MS community continues to move forward. This month brings an important opportunity to raise awareness and show support for an important cause, with the May 50K fundraiser. Members can find more information on the MS Canada website.
I also want to highlight MS Canada's call for the disability tax credit to be modernized, including updates for the eligibility criteria to better reflect episodic illnesses. Not all disabilities are visible, and just because we cannot see them, they are no less worthy of our support.
Chris Malette Liberal Bay of Quinte, ON
Mr. Speaker, as a proud life member of the Belleville Bulldogs rugby club, I know first-hand the value of amateur sport in building confidence, discipline and strong communities. That is why I welcome the spring economic update's generational investment in Canadian sport: $755 million over five years and $118 million going forward to strengthen sport funding across Canada.
In my recent meeting with representatives from Swimming Canada, they were thrilled with this commitment. CEO Suzanne Paulins called it a meaningful step that will create lasting opportunities for athletes, coaches and communities across Canada. For Swimming Canada, this funding can help restore and expand initiatives for Olympic funding and Paralympic athletes and address one of the biggest barriers local swim clubs face: access to facilities.
This is truly smart public investment: stronger grassroots sport funding and stronger high-performance pathways from playground to podium.
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Mr. Speaker, despite the illusions and speeches, it is more cost, more carbon taxes and more of the same. In Skeena—Bulkley Valley, gas prices are up to two dollars a litre. The Liberals claim that gas prices are due to world oil prices being $100 a barrel, but in 2014, under the Conservative government, gas prices were around 45¢ cheaper, and the price of oil at the time was $100 a barrel.
It is Liberal policies that are hurting the hard-working people of northwest B.C. It is high Liberal taxes and our weak dollar, because of our weak economy. The loonie is down 20% compared to 2014. When we have a weak dollar, every internationally priced commodity, like energy and food, costs more. Why is our dollar weak? It is because Liberal policies blocking resource development are scaring away investment.
The Prime Minister should take our common-sense plan to remove all taxes on all gas all year, unblock our oil and gas production, and make Canada affordable and strong.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible contributions of the Ukrainian community in London, Ontario, and in particular the Ukrainian Centre and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of London.
As we mark Vyshyvanka Day, a celebration of heritage, resilience and identity, we honour not only tradition but action. In London, Ukrainian Canadians have opened their doors, organized support networks and welcomed families fleeing war with compassion and dignity. They have raised funds, sent humanitarian aid and stood firmly with Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Their work strengthens our community here at home while making a difference abroad.
I thank all those involved, all of our friends, Daria and many more, for showing us what solidarity truly looks like. I want to wish them all a happy celebration on Vyshyvanka Day.
Corey Tochor Conservative Saskatoon—University, SK
Mr. Speaker, imagine someone who just kept racking up the credit card bill while actively trying to earn less money. That is what the Liberals have spent the last decade doing, as they consistently increase the debt on the national credit card while doing everything possible to keep resources in the ground. Of course, governments and people are different. Governments can keep racking up taxes on families. These families are feeling the pain of higher taxes, higher inflation, higher interest costs and higher stresses on the family budget.
Despite the illusions with the Liberal Prime Minister, it is more cost, more taxes, more debt, more on the national credit card and more of the same. He is just another Liberal.
When will the Liberal Prime Minister get serious and end his costly credit card budgeting so Canadians can afford to live?
Jacques Ramsay Liberal La Prairie—Atateken, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I want to welcome to Parliament the grade six students from the École Jean XXIII in La Prairie. I have seen their eyes light up. They are curious. They want to learn. They are interested in democracy and want to contribute to making Canada a sovereign country.
We chatted about the work we do here in Parliament, about the bills that have had or will have positive effects on their lives. We talked about programs like the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, through which families will receive $1,900 this year. We also talked about the national school food program, which ensures that children have a full belly so they can learn, and the support for skilled trades programs, which will help them find a good job when they are older.
Let us have faith in the future. One day, a young person, like the students from École Jean XXIII, will sit in my seat and take up the torch so that Canada remains a fair and inclusive country.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claims to have taken back control of the immigration system, but that is really hard to believe. That is because in the past year, the Prime Minister has allowed the government to let in hundreds of thousands of new non-citizen temporary foreign workers while Canadian kids cannot find jobs or a place to rent. The Liberals have allowed massive, scandalous fraud to run rampant in the non-citizen student visa program. They have turned a blind eye to non-citizens convicted of serious crimes in Canada, who are getting sweetheart deals to avoid deportation. They have lost track of millions of non-citizens who have no legal reason to be in Canada, and they are issuing visas to terrorists.
The immigration minister told us she meets with the Prime Minister on a weekly basis to discuss her file. That must mean that she is following his orders. There is no other plausible reason that a minister with this many failures under her belt would still have her job. The reality is that the buck stops with the Prime Minister. He needs to fire her and fix the system, not claim that everything is okay when it is not.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker,
Seems the opposition leader finds himself in a jam
When yesterday he referred to “green eggs and ham”.
Now, over on this side, we don't think it's a crime
To talk about politics in the form of a rhyme.
And to tell you the truth, we were starting to fret
Since the leadership review, he's been missing the net.
After his brilliant appearance on air with Joe Rogan
He's been unable to land even one catchy slogan.
He's often accused of being a Trumper
Cuz his policy depth fits on a car bumper.
He scores well with bots, the streamers and trolls
But his numbers are like Trump's when it comes to the polls.
So in a gesture of kindness, we'll try to be nice
We'd like to keep him as leader, so here's some advice:
Don't try to talk tough, or be awkwardly formal
Surrender yourself, and just try to act normal.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Prime Minister's $1-trillion debt means more taxes, more costs and more of the same. After 11 years of Liberals, Canadians are now paying more on interest on our national debt than the government collects on GST and spends on health care.
Why will the Liberals not follow our Conservative plan to cut all gas taxes for the rest of the year? Is it because they have lost control of their spending, or is it because they simply do not care?
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, despite the Conservative leader and his party's best efforts to mislead Canadians about the economy, let us look at some facts—
FinanceOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I am still parsing that phrase, but I want to remind members that we cannot insinuate that somebody is intentionally misleading the House. I do not know if that was the case.
The member may continue.
Wayne Long Liberal Saint John—Kennebecasis, NB
Mr. Speaker, despite that leader and his party's best effort to paint the wrong narrative, the facts are very clear: best net debt-to-GDP in the G7, strongest fiscal position in the G7, second-fastest growing economy in the G7. Wages are outpacing inflation. Despite the rhetoric on that side, Canadians know our economy is growing. We are going to build—
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, we can follow the money and we will know what the Liberal government really cares about. It has wasted $750 million on a failed gun grab, $300 million on the PrescribeIT scandal, $80 billion on interest payments for bankers and bondholders and over half a million dollars on the Prime Minister's catering on flights. What was he having, gold flakes on his cappuccinos?
Why will the Liberals not cut all taxes on gas for the rest of the year? Is it because they care more about Liberal insiders than everyday Canadians?