House of Commons Hansard #133 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was elections.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Members debate the Senate’s amendments to Bill C-14, which targets bail and sentencing reform. Liberals propose adopting specific changes while rejecting others as redundant. Conservatives, including Larry Brock, criticize the government for relaxing surety restrictions. The legislation seeks to enhance public safety and further address repeat violent offenders while maintaining judicial discretion and Charter protections. 4200 words, 25 minutes.
Food and Drugs Act Second reading of Bill C-265. The bill creates a pre-approved list of therapeutic products to streamline special access. Supporters argue it reduces administrative burdens. While cross-party support exists for the objective, the Conservatives seek amendments to ensure safety and prevent drug diversion, while the Bloc emphasizes provincial jurisdiction. The House has referred the proposal for committee review. 7700 words, 1 hour.
Protecting Victims Act Third reading of Bill C-16. The bill strengthens protections against gender-based violence, targeting coercive control and femicide. Conservatives criticize clause 63, fearing it allows judges to bypass mandatory minimums. While supporters emphasize victim support and modern updates, the debate focuses on whether the legislation's judicial discretion creates an inappropriate "get-out-of-jail" card for serious offenders. 8200 words, 2 hours.
Strong and Free Elections Act Report stage of Bill C-25. The bill, titled the strong and free elections act, amends the Canada Elections Act to address foreign interference, disinformation, and AI risks. Government members argue these updates strengthen democratic integrity, while Conservative MPs critique the bill for allegedly failing to close loopholes regarding foreign financing, while also questioning its effectiveness in preventing interference during nomination contests. 3400 words, 1 hour.
Strong and Free Elections Act Third reading of Bill C-25. The bill amends the Canada Elections Act to address ballot flooding and foreign interference. While the government moves to impose time allocation, the Bloc Québécois criticizes the quashing of debate. Conservatives generally support the provisions aimed at election integrity but argue further amendments are necessary to close remaining loopholes regarding foreign funding for third parties. 4200 words, 35 minutes.
Adjournment Debate - Employment Garnett Genuis criticizes the government for ignoring youth unemployment, proposing a plan to unleash the economy, fix immigration, invest in vocational training, and increase housing availability. Jennifer McKelvie defends the government's approach, citing existing investments in summer jobs, skills strategies, and new initiatives for recruiting skilled trade workers. 1300 words.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Anita Vandenbeld Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON
Mr. Speaker, every year, the Canadian Animal Health Institute hosts the Cutest Pets on Parliament Hill contest. I am thrilled to announce that my cat, Coco, was the first place winner for the cutest cat on the Hill.
We got Coco a year ago from the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. Axelle Manley and her daughter Scarlett had fostered her for three months. They lost their home in a tragic fire when Scarlett was only four years old, and they never found their three cats. Since then, they have fostered 44 other cats. Because of their kindness, we have our beloved Coco.
I want to thank CAHI and congratulate all of the other winners: the cutest dog, Tuukka; the cutest other pet, Nugget; and the best‑dressed pet, Bella. I thank all those who entered pets, everyone who participated in the contest and, especially, everyone who voted for Coco.
Mike Dawson Conservative Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB
Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to welcome back to Ottawa today a very special guest and a dear friend, the former member of Parliament for Miramichi, Tilly O'Neill Gordon.
Before politics, Tilly spent her career as an elementary school teacher. We continue to learn from her today. Whether she is in the House or back home in our riding, she treats everyone with warmth, respect and kindness.
Tilly is in Ottawa this week, reconnecting with colleagues and friends. She remains loved by her friends at home and here in Ottawa. On behalf of all members, especially those who had the pleasure of serving with her, welcome back, Tilly. I thank her for her service to Miramichi—Grand Lake and for always showing us what the real public service looks like to the people back home.
Caroline Desrochers Liberal Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to welcome a group of young people from Trois‑Rivières to Ottawa along with Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de Trois-Rivières.
This visit is a great opportunity for these youths to better understand how our democratic institutions work, to learn more about the role of parliamentarians and to see how decisions that affect their daily lives are made. Carrefour jeunesse-emploi, or CJE, plays a key role in our community by supporting young people in their endeavours, their studies, their integration into the labour market and their civic engagement.
I want to thank the entire team at the CJE for their dedication. I also want to thank the young people here today for their curiosity and interest in democratic life. I hope that this experience will inspire them to get involved and contribute in their own way to building the future of our community and our country.
I welcome them to the House of Commons.
Billy Morin Conservative Edmonton Northwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Older, Bolder, Better event, Alberta's largest Seniors' Week event, was recently hosted by the WE Seniors at my home of Enoch Cree Nation's River Cree Resort. I am proud that the Westend Seniors Activity Centre, which is the gathering place for thousands of Edmonton seniors, is located in my community of Edmonton Northwest.
Congratulations to the CEO, Dr. Haidong Liang, and his whole team for their hard work in welcoming over 1,200 elders and over 120 vendors specializing in serving the silver economy. As the local member of Parliament, I had the honour of being the keynote speaker, and I was proud to take our Conservative Party of Canada's message back to Edmonton that an empowered Alberta belongs in a united Canada.
I encourage all Albertans to remember the sacrifices that our parents, our grandmothers, our grandfathers and our ancestors made to build our province in our country that we call home. In their honour, take action to keep Alberta in a united Canada this fall.
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Sophie Faucher, a highly talented actress and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful voices on Quebec's cultural scene.
Whether on stage, on screen or behind a microphone, Sophie Faucher left her mark on several generations, be it through her elegance, her passion and fire or her ability to light up a room. Throughout an exceptional career spanning nearly five decades, she brought to life memorable characters, including the incomparable Crystale Bouvier-Montgomery in Le cœur a ses raisons.
Audiences will also remember her uniquely husky voice as she sat in heaven, dressed as an angel, bagel in hand, making us smile as she complained about messy crumbs.
Her recent moving portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas, as well as that of her idol Frida Kahlo in the play La Casa Azul, directed by her friend Robert Lepage, rank among the defining roles of her career.
Quebec has lost an exceptional artist, but her immense contribution to our culture will leave a lasting mark on our collective memory.
Rob Morrison Conservative Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canada has an incredible opportunity to become a global leader in the resources that power modern economies. In Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies, the communities of Elk Valley and Trail are helping make that possible. Elk Valley is home to a highly skilled mining workforce that produces world-class metallurgical coal, while Trail earned an international reputation in excellence in metal processing, refining and innovation.
Steel is fundamental to energy infrastructure, transportation networks and national defence. The materials required to produce steel are therefore critical to the economic and industrial security. Met coal, also known as steelmaking coal, is recognized as a critical mineral in the United States, the European Union and India. Canada needs to formally recognize metallurgical coal as a critical mineral as well.
As the global demand for critical minerals and steelmaking materials continues to grow, the workers, the families and the businesses of Elk Valley and Trail remain at the forefront of Canada's prosperity. I thank them for their hard work and invaluable contribution to our country.
Peter Fonseca Liberal Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON
Mr. Speaker, this June, we proudly mark Portuguese Heritage Month. It an important time to recognize and celebrate the meaningful contributions of Canadians of Portuguese descent. Today, June 10, is Portugal Day, celebrated in Portugal and by Portuguese communities around the world.
As a Portuguese Canadian, this day holds deep significance, offering a moment of pride and reflection on shared history, culture and the many achievements of Portugal and its people. For over seven decades, Portuguese Canadians have helped shape the Canada we know today. As our people-to-people ties continue to thrive, so too does the Canada-Portugal relationship, which is strengthened by shared values, growing economic partnerships and a common—
Critical MineralsStatements by Members
Michael Guglielmin Conservative Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, in 1952, a courageous 21-year-old woman left her small town in Treviso, Italy, with her father by her side. They boarded a train bound for Genoa. From there, alone, she stepped onto a ship and began that now famous journey across the Atlantic, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax. She came to Canada alone, speaking no English and carrying little more than hope.
That young woman was my grandmother, Olga Guglielmin, who celebrated her 94th birthday this year. Like so many Italian Canadians, Nonna Olga came in search of a dream. It was the dream of family, opportunity and a better life than the one she had left behind. She taught us that the greatest riches in life are not measured in dollars, but in relationships. Around her table, with a simple tablecloth, good food, candlelight and loved ones gathered close, she showed us what truly mattered.
This Italian Heritage Month, I honour all Italian-Canadian nonni, especially my Nonna Olga, whose courage, integrity and love continue to guide us.
Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Beauharnois—Salaberry—Soulanges—Huntingdon, QC
Mr. Speaker, after more than 30 years at the helm of Le Pont du Suroît, Marc André Bédard is taking a well-deserved retirement. He leaves behind an exceptional legacy of commitment, compassion and professionalism. He devoted his career to supporting people living with a loved one affected by mental illness, offering a listening ear, clinical support and hope to many families.
Thanks to his inclusive and caring leadership, Le Pont du Suroît has become an essential organization in our community. Recognized as an outstanding professional, Marc André Bédard also succeeded in extending his expertise well beyond our region, across Quebec and elsewhere. His inspiring career and his dedication have had a lasting impact on the lives of many.
I thank him for this remarkable contribution. He is truly a wonderful person and a dear friend. Crossing paths with him has been a real privilege. I wish Marc André a happy retirement with his beautiful partner Sylvie.
Lisa Hepfner Liberal Hamilton Mountain, ON
Mr. Speaker, today on Parliament Hill, I recognize and applaud the leadership of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Bravo to the team for their first Canadian Screen Award for best national newscast. It is likely not the last such award, given the talent and hard work among the journalists and the rest of the news team.
In 1999, the APTN became the first national indigenous broadcaster in the world. Since then, the APTN has continued to grow, connecting indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. These are stories and perspectives that would not be heard if it were not for the network dedicated to indigenous people and their stories.
Given that we are in National Indigenous History Month, I would encourage all colleagues to check out all of the APTN offerings, from the award-winning national broadcast to the sports coverage and the brilliant new North of North TV series.
Congratulations, APTN, on 10 Canadian Screen Awards this year.
Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC
Mr. Speaker, after more than a decade of reckless Liberal spending, borrowing and economic mismanagement, more and more Canadians are suffering. Under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession, and the devastating results can no longer be ignored. Today the United Way report has painted a grim picture of the impact on Canadians: Sixty per cent now feel anxiety about their personal finances, 38% struggle with food insecurity, 40% are losing sleep over how they will stretch their paycheque to pay their bills, and 34% know someone close to them who is experiencing poverty, which is up five percentage points.
Global factors did not cause this. Liberal inflationary spending, red tape and antidevelopment laws did. With millions of people going hungry, stressed about their finances and fearful for their future, it is high time the Liberal government reversed its disastrous economic policies so we can finally begin to restore hope for Canadians.
Charles Sousa Liberal Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON
Mr. Speaker, Portuguese people around the world commemorate their rich history and vibrant culture today. June 10 honours the passing of Luís de Camões, a national hero and a legend who penned Os Lusíadas, a renowned collection of epic poems that capture stories of brave explorers and the Enlightenment during the age of discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Those mariners were the first to circumnavigate the globe and open trade routes around the world, including the initial mapping of Terra Nova's shores off the Grand Banks. Centuries later, a wave of new Portuguese migration arrived at Pier 21 in 1953. My father, among the migrants, sailed across the Atlantic in search of opportunity in Canada. The migrants opened doors for generations that followed.
Today we celebrate a strong and vibrant Portuguese diaspora. I congratulate its members and the unifying voice of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, which showcases the annual Portugal Day parade in Toronto.
Feliz Dia de Portugal. Feliz Dia de Camões. Feliz Dia das Comunidades Portuguesas à volta do Mundo. Happy Portugal Day.
Gaétan Malette Conservative Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest condolences to the Bali family, whose son, Ontario Provincial Police constable Tarun Bali, was killed in the line of duty yesterday in northern Ontario. Constable Bali had served on the force for two years, dedicating his life to the safety and protection of others. He served his community with courage, pride and a deep sense of duty. He was a well-respected member of the police service and carried out his responsibilities each day with the utmost integrity.
Constable Bali's courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. His ultimate sacrifice in the service of protecting others will forever be honoured and appreciated by his community, his colleagues and all those whose lives he touched.
Let us take this moment to recognize Constable Bali's legacy as one of courage, service and pride. May his soul rest in peace.
Carlos Leitão Liberal Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC
Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating Portugal Day, the day of Camões and Portuguese communities. For me, this day holds a very special significance.
Like thousands of Portuguese before me, I left my country of birth in search of new opportunities. Canada welcomed me and allowed me to build a career, a family and a life, for which I am deeply grateful. Today, Canadians of Portuguese descent contribute to the prosperity of our communities. They are entrepreneurs, workers, teachers and artists.
I wish everyone celebrating this day in Canada, in Portugal and around the world a very happy Portugal Day.
Long live Canada. Viva Portugal.
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the chamber with a broken heart. Our community is mourning the loss of brave OPP constable Tarun Bali, a Brampton West resident who was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting the people of Ontario. Constable Bali was more than a courageous police officer; he was a a son, a husband and a proud member of our Brampton community.
Every day, police officers run toward danger so others can be safe. Constable Bali made the ultimate sacrifice in that service. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his loved ones, his colleagues at the Ontario Provincial Police, and all those grieving this profound loss. May his courage, dedication and service never be forgotten.
He will be remembered. His family will miss him. We will miss him. May God bless his soul. May he rest in peace.
Ryan Turnbull Liberal Whitby, ON
Mr. Speaker, in Whitby, a simple cup of hot cocoa became something much greater. At just 13 years old, Cohen Lane turned gratitude into action when SickKids hospital worked another miracle and saved his cousin's life. What began as a small, driveway hot chocolate stand grew into a remarkable effort, including ties and scarves, that has raised over $100,000 to support children and families facing some of the hardest days of their life so their kids can access the life-saving care SickKids provides every day. This year, SickKids is recognized as the number one pediatric hospital in the world and marks its 151st anniversary.
Cohen's story reminds us all why this matters: Behind every hospital room is a child, a family and a community hoping for health. Whitby and all Canadians are proud of Cohen for his compassion and leadership. I hope colleagues will help me in recognizing SickKids' first official youth ambassador.
SickKids Youth AmbassadorStatements by Members
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I would ask the member for Mississauga East—Cooksville to redo his statement. The timer was not working, and he was not allotted the proper amount of time.
Peter Fonseca Liberal Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON
Mr. Speaker, this June, we proudly mark Portuguese Heritage Month, an important time to recognize and celebrate the meaningful contributions of Canadians of Portuguese descent. Today, June 10, is Portugal Day, celebrated in Portugal and by Portuguese communities around the world. For me as a Portuguese Canadian, this day holds deep significance, offering a moment of pride and reflection on shared history, culture and the many achievements of Portugal and its people. For over seven decades, Portuguese Canadians have helped shape the Canada we know today.
As our people-to-people ties continue to thrive, so too does the Canada-Portugal relationship, strengthened by shared values, growing economic partnerships and a common passion for the beautiful game that unites us and the world forever. As we celebrate this month, we honour the enduring legacy, resilience and achievements of the Portuguese Canadian community.
Feliz Dia de Portugal. Viva Canada. Viva Portugal.
Member for Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—TémiscouataOral Questions
Battle River—Crowfoot Alberta
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform the House of Commons that one of our colleagues, the member for Côte‑du‑Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, had cardiac issues during the Quebec caucus meeting. An ambulance had to be called. He is currently in the hospital in relatively stable condition. His Conservative family wants to assure him, his wife Tracey and his entire family of our support.
Would the government like to offer our colleague its wishes for his speedy recovery?
Member for Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—TémiscouataOral Questions
Gatineau Québec
Liberal
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, of course I also want to express my support for the member for Côte‑du‑Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, along with all my colleagues on this side of the House. He comes from an area that I know well, and he is a member who I also know well; he is a bit mischievous. We eagerly look forward to enjoying his wonderful personality, spirit of co-operation and big smile when he returns here, to his parliamentary family, but mostly to his own family.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we just heard the bad news that Canada is the only country with two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. That is the definition of a recession. Again today, we had bad news from the Governor of the Bank of Canada, who said that “the Canadian economy has remained soft and inflation has increased”. He went on to say, “Economic weakness combined with rising inflation is a dilemma” and that the economy was “weak”, a word he used nine times.
Will the Prime Minister reverse the Liberal policies that caused this recession?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, I have good news for the Conservative leader. Germany posted growth of 0.7%; Italy, 0.5%; Mexico, 0.8%; France, 0.7%; Japan, 0.6%; the United Kingdom, 0.9 %; and Canada, 1.2%. According to the OECD's projections, Canada has the second-fastest growth in the G7.
We, on this side of the House, will work hard every day to build the strongest economy in the G7.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Prime Minister.
Just over 10 days ago, we learned that Canada was the only country with back-to-back shrinking economies in two quarters, the definition of a recession. Today we got even worse news from the Governor of the Bank of Canada, who said:
the Canadian economy has remained soft and inflation has increased....
Economic weakness combined with rising inflation is a dilemma
He used the word “weak” nine times to describe the Prime Minister's economy. That translates into lost jobs, lost homes and bigger lineups at food banks.
Will the Prime Minister stand today and reverse the Liberal policies that caused this recession?