(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
House of Commons Hansard #138 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was amendments.
House of Commons Hansard #138 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was amendments.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Housing Cost Transparency Act First reading of Bill C-287. The bill proposes amending the National Research Council Act to require publication of housing cost impact summaries for building code changes, aiming to improve transparency and address concerns over increased costs for new housing. 200 words.
Protection Against Online Fraud Act First reading of Bill C-288. The bill proposes to amend the Criminal Code and mandate that digital platforms actively remove fraudulent content, notify exposed users, and impose stricter penalties for scammers targeting vulnerable people. 200 words.
Stopping Supply to Save Lives Act First reading of Bill C-289. The bill seeks to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code to increase penalties for those who produce and traffic significant quantities of synthetic opioids, aiming to deter drug-related fatalities. 200 words.
Criminal Code First reading of Bill C-290. The bill amends the Criminal Code to create a specific offence for the theft of property with religious or cultural significance, ensuring such crimes are penalized with sentences comparable to thefts of high-value items. 300 words.
Act to Amend the Department of Industry Act (Small Businesses) First reading of Bill C-291. The bill mandates the federal government to assess the potential negative impacts of proposed legislation on small businesses before enactment, aiming to reduce regulatory hurdles and support their contribution to the Canadian economy. 300 words.
National Immigration Month Act First reading of Bill S-215. The bill designates November as National Immigration Month to recognize and celebrate the historical and ongoing contributions of immigrants to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of Canada. 100 words.
Admissibility of Government Business No.13—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on a point of order concerning Government Business No. 13, concluding that the motion to expedite the consideration of Bill C-22 is procedurally admissible despite concerns regarding its retroactive nature. 1300 words, 10 minutes.
Government Business No. 13—Proceedings on Bill C‑22 Members debate Government Business No. 13, a motion by the Liberals to expedite the legislative process for Bill C-22, which relates to lawful access. Amidst parting tributes for a retiring Member, the House centers on opposition criticism regarding the use of time allocation and procedural constraints. Critics argue the government is rushing through legislation that endangers civil liberties and privacy protections without adequate expert testimony or democratic oversight. 30400 words, 4 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada Act Second reading of Bill C-268. The bill proposes modernizing Canada’s spectrum framework and mandating independent verification of coverage. Supporters cite safety risks in dead zones, inaccurate carrier data, and economic disparities in rural regions. With cross-party agreement that current regulations are outdated, the House referred it to committee for further study. 7500 words, 1 hour.
Adjournment Debate - The Environment Elizabeth May criticizes the government's inaction regarding ongoing oil sands tailings leaks and compromised treaty rights. Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy defends the government's approach, emphasizing reliance on scientific monitoring, collaborative working groups with Indigenous communities, and a commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and upholding treaty obligations. 1300 words, 10 minutes.
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, this bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
Liberal
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Moments ago, the member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South issued a social media post that included the results of a vote that occurred earlier this afternoon in the House. He indicated in his post that the Prime Minister voted against a motion. However, the Prime Minister did not even vote at all. He is not even in the country.
I wonder if the member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South will stand up and apologize to the House for the misinformation that he is distributing around the Internet that relates to proceedings in this House.
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
First of all, the chief government whip alluded to the possibility that the Prime Minister might not be in this chamber.
Does the hon. member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South want to say something?
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
Conservative
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
Conservative
Grant Jackson Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I think it was very audible, the government whip shouting across that a member was a “liar” in the House. You previously ruled on a heckle that called another member a “liar”, and the member was asked to retract that statement. I would ask, Mr. Speaker, that you hold the same standard for the chief government whip.
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
Liberal
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the word is unparliamentary, and I hold myself to that standard. I retract that.
Bill C-267 National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances ActPrivate Members' Business
Public Sector Integrity CommissionerRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It is my duty to lay before the House, pursuant to subsection 38(3.3) of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner's report for the fiscal year ended March 31.
Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), this report is deemed to have been permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
Yasir Naqvi LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the annual report of the 2024-25 Canada account, as prepared by Export Development Canada.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 14 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.
Richard Bragdon Conservative Tobique—Mactaquac, NB
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, a report of the Canadian section of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group.
This report describes the group's congressional visit to Washington, D.C., from March 17 to 19. I had the pleasure of co-leading this delegation of nine parliamentarians alongside Senator Michael MacDonald.
Terry Sheehan Liberal Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs in relation to Bill C-27, an act to give effect to the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę and to make consequential amendments to other acts. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House without amendments.
I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: the seventh report, entitled “Collaborative Approaches to Enforcement of Laws in Indigenous Communities”; and the eighth report, entitled “Beyond Enforcement: Supporting Indigenous-Led Public Safety and Well-Being Initiatives”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to each of these two reports.
I thank the committee very much for working so collaboratively.
Shannon Miedema Liberal Halifax, NS
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.
The first is the seventh report, entitled “Protecting Canadian Residents from Extreme Weather Events”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the seventh report.
The second is the eighth report, in relation to Bill C-241, an act to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought forecasting. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.
Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
Conservative
David Bexte Conservative Bow River, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to table the Conservatives' dissenting report to the flood damage report.
Canadians do not need another report telling them that floods, fires, droughts and storms are costly. They see it when basements flood, roads wash out and communities are forced to evacuate. What they need are flood maps and, when they are finished, warnings that arrive on time, infrastructure that holds and disaster programs that small and rural communities can actually use.
This dissent makes one thing clear. Announcements do not stop flooding, press releases do not protect homes, and excuses do not rebuild communities. Canadians deserve results before the next disasters, not apologies.
I present the report in both official languages.
Marcus Powlowski Liberal Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, entitled “Medical Assistance in Dying and Mental Disorder as the Sole Underlying Medical Condition: A Complex and Challenging Conversation Among Canadians”.
I would like to thank all members of the committee, including members from the opposite side of the House, for their valuable contribution to the report.
Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Conservative members of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying to table, in both official languages, our supplementary opinion. Conservatives welcome the committee's recommendation that individuals whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness be indefinitely excluded from eligibility for medical assistance in dying. This will save thousands of lives.
This is the position that Conservatives have held from the beginning. Conservatives opposed the Senate amendment to Bill C-7, which set this proposed expansion in motion. We have consistently echoed the warnings of experts that the expansion cannot be implemented safely. We call on the government to accept the committee's recommendation and support Bill C-218, which is already before the House and which would accomplish the policy objective the committee recommends. Conservatives are prepared to work collaboratively with the government to that end.
Our supplementary opinion also notes that over the course of the committee study, as we were examining system readiness for expansion, many witnesses questioned the effectiveness and enforceability of the current MAID safeguards. Conservatives encourage the government to undertake a review of the current safeguards to ensure that no vulnerable Canadians fall through the cracks of a system that is supposed to protect them.
Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-287, An Act to amend the National Research Council Act.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present my private member's bill, the housing cost transparency act.
Canada is in a housing crisis. Families, young Canadians, renters and first-time buyers are watching the dream of home ownership slip further out of reach. Before entering politics, I worked as a home builder, and I know first-hand that every added cost, delay, compliance requirement and administrative burden eventually ends up in the final price of a home.
The bill would require the National Research Council to publish clear housing cost and impact summaries for housing-related changes to the building codes. These summaries would show what a proposal does, what housing is affected, who pays, what benefits are expected and what assumptions are being made. It would also improve governance, transparency, public registry information and annual reporting. The system should have to show its work, because Canadians need homes, not hidden bureaucracy.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
moved for leave to introduce Bill C‑288, An Act to enact the Protection Against Online Fraud Act and to amend the Criminal Code.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are being robbed at home on their keyboards, and the platforms where it is happening are profiting from the traffic. Today, I introduce the protection against online fraud act.
In 2024, Canadians reported $643 million stolen through fraud. That is nearly 300% more than in 2020 and about 5% or 10% of what is actually happening. These are seniors losing their retirements and families losing their homes. It is happening to people in every riding right across the country. AI is making scams faster, cheaper and nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
The platforms hosting the content know it is there, and the bill would hold them accountable. It would require digital platforms to actively remove fraudulent content. It would require them to notify users who have already been exposed. It would add a Criminal Code aggravating factor when scammers deliberately target the most vulnerable people, such as with a grandmother's life savings. That is not even fraud. It is predatory.
The U.S., Australia, the EU and the U.K. have already moved on this. Canada cannot be the last one at the table. We regulate what happens on our streets. It is long past time we regulate for the people who are getting scammed online, so I urge members of this House to support this piece of legislation.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Chak Au Conservative Richmond Centre—Marpole, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C‑289, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make a related amendment to the Criminal Code.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce my first private member's bill, the stopping supply to save lives act. I hope Canadians will come to know this as Emmy's legacy, in memory of Emmy Liu, a 14-year-old girl who lost her life to a fentanyl overdose in January 2025. Since her death, her mother has shown remarkable courage in advocating for stronger action against this deadly poison.
Emmy had her whole life ahead of her. Instead, it was cut short because criminals sold her poison that had already killed tens of thousands of Canadians. In principle, those who profit from trafficking and producing large quantities of synthetic opioids should face serious consequences. Emmy's legacy can be more than a tragedy. It can be a call to strengthen penalties for the most serious drug offences and to protect Canadian families from experiencing the same loss.
In honour of all of the lives lost, I ask all members of this House to support this legislation.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
moved for leave to introduce Bill C‑290, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (theft of property of cultural or religious significance).
Mr. Speaker, today I am tabling a new private member's bill, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding theft of property of cultural or religious significance.
Canada's current laws on theft are based primarily on economic notions of value. Stealing an item worth over $5,000 can carry a heavier sentence than stealing an item worth less than $5,000. However, economic value is not the only or the most important concept of value. Things can be valuable for reasons that have nothing to do with their weight in economic exchange. Our current laws on theft do not incorporate other, higher concepts of value than the purely economic.
This problem became evident to me when St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Pilgrim Church in Scarborough was targeted in the theft of a sacred relic. It was not worth much in dollars and cents, perhaps, but was of immense value to the community.
Today I am introducing a bill that would create a separate offence for the theft of religious or culturally significant property. Essentially, it would apply the same level of seriousness and the same sentencing range for theft of religious and culturally significant property as are applied to the theft of items worth over $5,000. This law would help protect religious communities but would also support local museums, indigenous nations and all ethnocultural communities that pass their traditions through culturally significant property.
While I am on my feet, I want to thank all those who advocated for giving us the opportunity to table private members' bills today so we can do our jobs as members of Parliament.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Bill C-291 Act to Amend the Department of Industry Act (Small Businesses)Routine Proceedings
Green
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
, seconded by the member for Courtenay—Alberni, moved for leave to introduce Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Department of Industry Act (small businesses).
She said: Mr. Speaker, I am very honoured today to introduce a private member's bill that seeks to amend the Department of Industry Act with regard to the promotion of small businesses.
I want to thank my dear friend, the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni, for seconding this bill.
I think most members here agree that small businesses are the backbone of Canada's economy. They employ the most people. In every one of our communities and across Canada, they are responsible for more than half of the economic activity.
I presented this bill before, but it failed to get past second reading. Let me give some context. I first heard about what gets called the “think small first” bill from friends of mine who are in the Green parties in the European Union and the European Parliament. It was adopted in the European Parliament in 2008. The basic principle is that before any law passes a Parliament, there is screening to see whether there will be unintended consequences of a piece of legislation or regulation that are negative for small businesses. It is an advanced review that looks through a lens to see whether a law is going to create more unnecessary hurdles for small businesses to succeed.
It calls on the government and the Minister of Industry to protect and promote the role of small businesses within the Canadian economy. I certainly hope all of my colleagues here will see this bill passed unanimously, because small businesses matter.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC
moved for leave to introduce Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month.
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to introduce Bill S-215, an act respecting national immigration month.
This bill that I am sponsoring seeks to designate the month of November as national immigration month. Its goal is simple: to recognize and celebrate the tremendous contribution that immigration has made to Canada. Our country was built by men and women who came from all over the world. Through their hard work, courage and talent, immigrants help to advance our economy, culture and society every day.
Bill S-215 gives us an opportunity to thank them and to remember that Canada is an open, inclusive and welcoming country.
(Motion deemed adopted and bill read the first time)
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition to provide our beloved police service dogs with the veterinary care in retirement that these valued police partners deserve.
The petitioners recognize that these dogs serve faithfully alongside police officers right across Canada, providing protection, detection and life-saving support to Canadians and members of law enforcement. It is support that often results in injuries or the development of service-related conditions. Disappointingly, in Canada, there is currently nothing to assist with the veterinary costs of looking after our K-9 friends after they have finished serving Canada with such distinction.
Therefore, the petitioners are calling for all police service dogs who have completed three years or more of active duty to have their veterinary care fully covered for all injuries directly linked to their policing service, and 50% covered for the remainder of their general veterinary care. After their service to this country and their fellow officers, it is the least that we can do.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today.
It is with great pride and pleasure that I present a petition on behalf of representatives of the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition, including Briar McCaw, Linda King and Nathan MacIntyre of the RIP Current Information Project.
The signatories of this petition point out that there are an average of 485 drowning fatalities in Canada every year, and non-fatal drowning incidents are nearly four times as common as fatal drowning. Drowning has one of the highest cost-per-case figures of all unintentional injury types, leading to estimates of over $191 million spent on drowning-related care, as reported by Parachute Canada.
Drowning is a public health issue with a very significant impact, especially in communities like mine. Petitioners call for the development of a Canadian drowning prevention strategy.