Debates of June 12th, 2026

Tarun Bali

[Kyle Seeback, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Constable Tarun Bali, who passed away tragically in the line of duty in northern Ontario.

Constable Bali was a member of the Dufferin OPP in my home riding of Dufferin—Caledon. I know the men and women who serve in the Dufferin OPP. They are incredibly dedicated, community-oriented officers. Constable Bali was described by his colleagues as a man of bravery, dedication and incredible community service. Police officers come under incredible scrutiny and criticism these days, yet they put on the uniform every day, knowing that they might not come home to their loved ones.

I want Constable Bali's family to know that the community of Dufferin—Caledon will never forget his service and his sacrifice for our community.

Oral Health Care

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for the national capital region and eastern Ontario. Collège La Cité has received an investment of over $1.6 million to improve access to oral health care. This funding will be used to establish a mobile dental clinic providing services directly in our communities, including services for seniors and children, to reduce barriers to care.

Each outreach visit will be staffed with two dental technologists and two to four students, for whom this initiative will provide a valuable, hands-on internship experience.

The Collège La Cité clinic will also get a treatment room adapted for neurodivergent young people or those with other special needs. Through this initiative, families will be able to get care close to home in a welcoming, inclusive environment adapted to their needs.

The investment shows the engagement of the Government of Canada to make health care more accessible and equitable for all.

That is how we are building Canada strong.

Women Veterans

[Connie Cody, Conservative, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, two years ago, the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs unanimously tabled a pivotal report, “Invisible No More. The Experiences of Canadian Women Veterans”. That title means something only because more than 50 women made it true. They sat before committee and relived military sexual trauma, wounds inflicted, at times by the very people who were supposed to stand beside them. They knew the cost, but they spoke anyway for every woman who has not served yet and deserves better. Angel, a veteran and survivor of military sexual trauma, did not testify, but she recognized herself in every word those women spoke. She wore the country's uniform with pride, yet something happened in that uniform, done by someone who should have had her back.

Those women kept their promise to Canada, but two years later, Canada is still working on keeping its promise to them. To the women veterans with us today and to those watching from home, this was not a plea for sympathy; it was a blueprint. They do not owe us anything more. We owe them so they will be invisible no more and not ignored again.

Beyond Housing

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary community leader in Kitchener—Conestoga, Mr. Martin Buhr.

For decades, Martin has worked tirelessly to ensure that people in need have a safe, affordable place to call home. As founding member of MennoHomes, which is now known as Beyond Housing, he built a legacy of compassion, inclusion and service that continues to strengthen our community.

This year, as Beyond Housing marks his 25th anniversary and Martin celebrates his 87th birthday, he is preparing for his final Out-Spok'n Bike-a-thon, a community event uniting riders, sponsors and supporters committed to affordable housing. Over the years, through this ride, Martin has raised more than $387,000, with a goal of reaching $500,000. Proceeds will support a 30-unit accessible apartment in Elmira. Martin's leadership has inspired countless people across Waterloo Region and reminds us about the difference one person can make.

On behalf of the grateful community in Kitchener—Conestoga, I thank him and wish him every success in his final ride. I will see Mr. Buhr tomorrow.

The Economy

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we may well be the only G20 country in a recession. Why? It is because the Liberals are throwing taxpayers' money out the window. The Prime Minister spent nearly $1 million on meals for just 14 flights in a single year.

The fact is that from May 16 to 19, 2025, from Ottawa to Rome, he spent $93,780 on food. That is a fact.

From November 18 to 24, 2025, from Ottawa to Athens via Johannesburg, he spent on $159,781 on food. That is another fact.

From January 5 to 7, 2026, from Ottawa to Paris, he spent $74,000 on food. That is another fact.

From January 13 to 22, 2026, from Ottawa to Zurich, he spent $175,248 on fine dining. That is another fact.

Clearly, the problem is not a lack of money. The problem is a lack of respect and accountability toward Canadians.

Michelin-Starred Inn in Mauricie

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, June 12 is Quebec buy local day. To celebrate, I invite my colleagues to treat themselves to an unforgettable getaway at Auberge Saint-Mathieu, an inn in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc that is renowned for its superlative cuisine.

After earning a green star from the famous Michelin Guide last year, this exceptional establishment was honoured once again this year with its first Michelin red star. These prestigious accolades recognize not only culinary excellence and refined flavours, but also this idyllic resort's deep commitment to sustainable gastronomy.

At this country inn nestled in a picture-perfect forest, chef Samy Benabed, who also won the Michelin Guide Quebec 2026 Young Chef Award, crafts locally sourced cuisine, harmoniously blending smoky barbecue aromas with Quebec spices and citrus fruits.

Congratulations to the entire team on this inspiring blend of flavours, local ingredients, and respect for the environment.

Multicultural Broadcasting

[Danielle Martin, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an institution that has helped tell and shape the stories of a multicultural Canada for 60 years, CHIN Radio.

When founded in 1966 by the late Johnny Lombardi, who was a proud son of Italian immigrants, CHIN gave a voice to newcomers from around the world and helped pioneer multicultural broadcasting in Canada. Today, under the equally visionary leadership of his son, Lenny Lombardi, CHIN continues to build on that remarkable legacy, broadcasting to over 100 cultural communities in more than 50 languages.

As Toronto prepares to celebrate the Taste of Little Italy festival this weekend, we honour the Lombardi family's lasting contributions. We thank Lenny, and everyone at CHIN Radio, on the 60th anniversary of a remarkable institution that has helped to build an inclusive, vibrant Canada.

Grazie.

100th Anniversary of Picture Butte

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise in the House today to extend congratulations to the town of Picture Butte on its 100th anniversary.

For a century, Picture Butte has been shaped by the values that define rural Canada: hard work, family and community spirit. What began as a small prairie settlement, marked by the establishment of its post office, has now grown into the livestock feeding capital of the entire country. That title reflects more than just an industry. It reflects generations of farmers, ranchers, workers and families whose dedication has helped feed Canadians and strengthen southern Alberta's economy.

From its farms and local businesses to its schools, churches and volunteers, Picture Butte continues to represent the very best of southern Alberta. To everyone who has built, served and strengthened this community over the past century, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude. Their legacy is one of vision, determination and generosity. As the member of Parliament for Lethbridge, I congratulate them on 100 years.

Artificial Intelligence

[Abdelhaq Sari, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, people are coming out of the woodwork every day claiming to be AI experts. Some have contacted me, others have tried to meet with me and, recently, someone insisted that I read his book. I thought to myself, “Oh no, not another one!” I decided to take his advice anyway and read his book. Well, I followed his advice. The book showcases the extraordinary work of local entrepreneur Patrick Chenel, co-founder of ConqrAI and an AI strategy specialist with over 30 years of experience working with Quebec's biggest companies.

In his book AI‑Driven Enterprise, he proposes a concrete framework that focuses on three key dimensions: knowledge management, knowledge sovereignty and human-centred AI governance. At a time when Canada is adopting an AI strategy, that kind of thinking needs to be highlighted. It reminds us that AI must also be human-centred.

I call on the House to recognize Mr. Chenel's contribution to the public debate on AI and to encourage dialogue among the political, business and innovation communities.

The Economy

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Ponoka—Didsbury, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the verdict is in, and the Prime Minister is in way over his head. He is the only leader, not just in the G7 but also in the G20, who has led his country into a recession. What does this mean practically?

Since the Prime Minister will not stand in this place to answer questions about his record, I will: two in five Canadians struggle to put food on the table; 60% of Canadians feel anxious about their personal finances; 40% lose sleep over how far they can stretch their paycheques; 38% face food insecurity; and last year, a whopping 2.2 million Canadians visited a food bank in a single month.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's office spent nearly $1 million in the last year alone on luxury inflight catering, including $175,000 for one trip last November. That catering bill would have been enough to feed a Canadian family for 55 years. Every dollar spent on luxury catering is a dollar that cannot go towards lowering taxes, building homes, improving public safety or helping Canadians put food on their own tables.

Conservatives are here and ready to get to work. Where is the Prime Minister?

Chief Curator of the House of Commons

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Johanna Mizgala, chief curator of the House of Commons, who will leave the House at the end of September.

A few months after she started working in the House, Ms. Mizgala showed leadership and grace under actual fire, keeping a group of parliamentary guides calm as shots rang out and she led them to safety.

As Speaker, I saw her love and passion first-hand as she worked to preserve our history and heritage for all Canadians.

She helped bring our history to life through interviews and reports on significant milestones, such as the centenary of the Parliament Hill fire, and key events in our history, such as the 20th anniversary of Nunavut and the 150th anniversary of Confederation. She also helped create the Room of Remembrance in West Block.

Many of us know her personally, as she shared her expertise widely. We thank her for her remarkable service and wish her every success in her next chapter.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

On behalf of all members, I congratulate Johanna and wish her all the best.

Affordability

[Andrew Lawton, Conservative, Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian food banks continue to see record increases. Back home, the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank's demand has tripled in just five years. Canadians do not need Liberal talking heads on TV or members across the aisle to tell them that we are in a recession. They feel it every day when trying to feed their families. We have two out of five Canadians struggling to put food on the table, 60% feeling anxiety about their personal finances and 40% literally losing sleep wondering how they are going to make ends meet.

At the same time, the Prime Minister has spent nearly $1 million on inflight catering over the last year, a catering bill that could feed a Canadian family for years. Clearly, when the Prime Minister told Canadians to make sacrifices, he was talking about common people feeding their families and not his mile-high caviar and champagne menu.

Why is it that we always get lectures and gaslighting from the elitist net-zero banker class while ordinary people who build the country are the ones who have to pay the price?

Women Veterans

[Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is the second anniversary of the tabling of the ACVA committee report entitled “Invisible No More. The Experiences of Canadian Women Veterans”. The report makes 42 recommendations and emphasizes the need to address health and research gaps, economic and social challenges, military sexual trauma, and the systemic barriers for women getting the services they are entitled to. Behind every recommendation was a woman who came forward to share her story. These are stories of service, of sacrifice, of resilience and too often, of feeling unseen.

Many of those women are here in Parliament today. As co-chair of the parliamentary friendship group for veterans, I will share that we will be hosting a round table discussion this afternoon with the Invisible No More project to talk about the progress made on the recommendations and what remains to be done.

As we mark this anniversary, I thank all women veterans. We see them and we hear them.

Public Safety

[Michael Chong, Conservative, Wellington—Halton Hills North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada mourns the loss of Constable Marc Pinizzotto. The Globe has reported that a search warrant executed yesterday related to the shootings at a synagogue and the U.S. consulate. U.S. prosecutors linked these shootings to an IRGC‑backed terrorist network that is behind 18 attacks in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

A year ago, the government identified nearly 30 Iranian regime operatives who should be deported. Since then, only one has been deported. What action is the minister taking to protect Canadians from IRGC operatives on Canadian soil?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question.

The government has taken all necessary measures. We are taking this situation very seriously. We have reviewed 18,000 Iranian visas. All men of military age have been screened and scrutinized. We subsequently carried out 280 investigations and concluded that 30 Iranian residents may have to return to their country.

[Michael Chong, Conservative, Wellington—Halton Hills North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the government is carrying out a great deal of analysis.

The death of Constable Marc Pinizzotto is not an isolated incident.

Canadians are afraid. People are shooting bullets at synagogues, community centres, businesses and, now, the U.S. consulate in Toronto. Public safety is a national security matter. Canadians deserve answers.

What new action is the government taking to protect Canadians and foreign diplomats from IRGC operatives operating here in Canada?

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Constable Pinizzotto, as well as officers of the Toronto Police Service. Constable Pinizzotto was killed while participating in an investigation relating to multiple shootings in Toronto, including the shooting of the U.S. consulate. Updates will be provided as more information is available. We will know more in the next day as the investigation progresses. We will make this information—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

The hon. member for Wellington—Halton Hills North.

[Michael Chong, Conservative, Wellington—Halton Hills North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, U.S. prosecutors have linked the U.S. consulate and synagogue shootings to an IRGC terrorist network. In 2023, Global News reported that upward of 700 regime‑linked associates could be operating in Canada. A year ago, the government said that nearly 30 Iranian regime operatives who were here in Canada should be deported. Since then, reports have indicated that only one has been deported.

Can the government confirm if more than one individual has been deported in the last year?

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House, we heard from the Conservatives and the government. In a rare moment of unity, we expressed sympathy with what has happened. We condemned what has happened, and we continue to condemn what has happened.

The hon. member knows very well that the IRGC has been listed as a terrorist entity since 2024 in this country, and we will always continue to act in accordance with public safety. Investigations on visas are ongoing as well. We will continue to do everything we have to do to keep Canadians safe. That is what we will do.

[Michael Chong, Conservative, Wellington—Halton Hills North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, a year ago, the Prime Minister said that the PRC's foreign interference was the greatest threat to the security of Canada. The government now has a strategic partnership with the PRC. A year ago, the government said that nearly 30 operatives linked to the Iranian regime were here in Canada and should be deported. A year later, only one has been deported.

How can Canadians believe that the government is treating foreign interference seriously and taking actions to protect them here on Canadian soil?

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration]

Mr. Speaker, we continue to entrust law enforcement, in particular the men and women of the Canada Border Services Agency, to do what is necessary to keep Canadians safe. As I said before, since 2024, the IRGC has been recognized as a terrorist entity. Everything we do will be in accordance with public safety. Individuals who break the law are absolutely the focus of the government and the CBSA, and they can be deported.

The Economy

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts are with the police officer's family.

Two in five Canadians are struggling to put food on the table, food banks are breaking records and workers are being forced to live in their trailers when that is all they can afford. However, the Prime Minister is continuing with the extravagant spending and the inflationary policies that have plunged Canada into a recession. It is the only G20 country in a recession.

Why does the Prime Minister refuse to admit that his decisions are hurting Canadian families?

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for my colleague. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced Canada's national food security strategy.

This strategy is built on four key pillars: investing in our regional food infrastructure to increase choice and competition, processing more food here in Canada, increasing year-round production of fruits and vegetables, and cutting red tape. That is how we will put more Canadian food on the table and bring down the cost of groceries.