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.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Don Valley North.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, more than 3,000 volunteers helped collect over 200,000 signatures from Albertans who are determined to protect our mountains, our rivers and our drinking water from the threat of coal mining.
Albertans have spoken loudly and clearly. They know coal mining threatens critical watersheds, harms our wildlife habitat and risks contaminating the water that communities, ranchers, farmers and indigenous peoples depend upon. For years, Albertans have been fighting to stop reckless coal development in one of the most beautiful and ecologically important regions in our country. Today's achievement is proof that when governments refuse to listen, citizens will organize and make themselves impossible to ignore.
Congratulations to Corb Lund, the Water Not Coal campaign and the hundreds of thousands of Albertans who stood up for our Rocky Mountains and our shared future. I am so proud to represent them.
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Kingston icon and one of the most celebrated town criers in the world: our very own Chris Whyman. This year marks more than four decades since Chris first donned the regalia and stepped into the role of Kingston's official town crier in 1984. What began as a one-year appointment has become a remarkable career, representing our city with pride, humour and a voice that can carry across Market Square.
Over the years, Chris has earned provincial, national and international acclaim, including multiple world championships, all while serving as an ambassador for Kingston's history, culture and community spirit. Whether he is welcoming visitors, opening festivals or representing Canada abroad, he brings an unmistakable energy that reflects the very best of our city.
On behalf of the residents of Kingston, I congratulate Chris Whyman on his extraordinary service and thank him for more than 40 years of dedication to our community.
Hear ye, hear ye. Well done, Chris.
Lianne Rood Conservative Middlesex—London, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am excited to welcome everyone to Middlesex—London this summer for the Canadian Plowing Championships in Strathroy. As the member of Parliament for this area, I am proud to extend a warm southwestern Ontario welcome to all of the competitors, families and visitors who have come from across Canada to take part in this national event.
This championship is a wonderful celebration of the skill, precision and innovation of Canadian farmers. Whether someone is a returning competitor or attending for the first time, they will enjoy exciting plowing competitions, hands-on exhibits and demonstrations of the latest agriculture techniques, all in the spirit of our rural community and hospitality.
I want to thank the volunteers, organizers and board members whose dedication makes this event possible.
Welcome to Strathroy. I hope everyone has a fantastic time at the Canadian Plowing Championships this summer.
Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize a constituent and disability advocate from Pickering—Brooklin, Onila Miranda.
Onila, who lives with cerebral palsy, has launched an advocacy campaign called “Love is a Human Right” to raise awareness about ableism and call for greater dignity, inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. His message is clear. Accessibility is more than ramps and infrastructure. It is about ensuring that every Canadian can participate fully in their community, pursue opportunities, build relationships and live with dignity.
Let us recommit to breaking down every barrier, because a truly strong Canada is one where every person can fully participate and belong. Ableism is discrimination, ableism is injustice and ableism does not belong in Canada.
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Mr. Speaker, when Canadians think of Skeena—Bulkley Valley, they think of LNG and the port of Prince Rupert. These projects are important, but they are only part of the story.
Our region is home to tremendous economic potential, from the port of Stewart to the industrial lands being developed around Kitselas and Terrace and emerging opportunities in mineral processing and refining in communities like Houston. Resource development is also creating new opportunities across the northwest, with projects such as the reopening of coal operations near Telkwa, helping to support jobs and local economies.
The people of Skeena—Bulkley Valley are ready to build, invest and grow. What we need is recognition and support from the government, not more barriers or delays. Our region has the resources, the workforce and the determination to help drive Canada's economic future. If we unleash the full potential of communities across the northwest, we can get Canada building again, growing again and back on track.
Tatiana Auguste Liberal Terrebonne, QC
Mr. Speaker, Terrebonne, the most beautiful riding in Lanaudière, is full of organizations that carry out vital work for our community. I have had the privilege of marking several milestone anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the Orchestre classique de Terrebonne, which enriches our cultural life; the 15th anniversary of the visual arts symposium of the Association des artistes en arts visuels de Terrebonne, which showcases our local talent; the 25th anniversary of Éducazoo, which delights and educates young and old alike; the 40th anniversary of A.B.C. des Manoirs, which makes education and literacy accessible and promotes personal empowerment; and the 40th anniversary of Habitat Lanaudière, a pillar of mental health for families in my riding.
These organizations are the pride of Terrebonne. I wish them a happy anniversary, and I thank them for their exceptional commitment to Terrebonne and the entire Les Moulins region.
Jonathan Rowe Conservative Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, NL
Mr. Speaker, summer is just around the corner, and there is no better place to be than on the Rock. Whether people want to go to Swift Current to see a world-class car collection, to Bonavista to see the icebergs, to the Burin Peninsula to hear the great stories of the famous pirates or to Lumsden to experience the best beaches north of Cuba, we have something for the whole family. If people cannot swim, they can take a boat ride to experience the whales in Port Rexton or the puffins in Elliston, or explore the secret underground bunkers.
No matter where people go, I am sure they will experience the warm hospitality of my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. They will hear great jokes and eat delicious meals. This summer, they might even be able to catch a cod on a Wednesday afternoon. To end their trip, they can cool down and grab a brewski in the famous town of Dildo.
Come on out. Catch the ferry or take a flight and come on home to the Rock.
Steeve Lavoie Liberal Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important anniversary in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou: the 60th anniversary of the Beauport Dojo. Founded in 1965, the Beauport Dojo is now recognized as one of the largest Japanese martial arts dojos in Quebec city.
For six decades, it has held a very special place in our community. Aside from teaching sports, the Beauport Dojo teaches important life values like respect, discipline, perseverance, confidence and personal achievement. Generations of young people, families and athletes have learned these values thanks to the work of passionate coaches, dedicated volunteers and supportive parents. I want to commend the entire team at the Beauport Dojo for their 60 years of commitment, mentoring and influence.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of Mel Zajac, a remarkable British Columbian whose compassion and generosity left an enduring imprint.
Mel's life was marked by a profound tragedy that ultimately inspired a legacy of extraordinary philanthropy. In July 1986, he lost his son Mel Jr. in a tragic accident on the Chilliwack River. Just eight months later, his son Marty was killed in an avalanche near Blue River in the Cariboo.
In their memory, Mel founded The Mel Jr. and Marty Zajac Foundation in 1987, dedicating himself to helping others. Through his work, including the creation of Zajac Ranch, he ensured that children of all abilities could experience the joy, inclusion and confidence that come from summer camp. Because of his vision, countless children and families, many of whom face major medical challenges, have been given opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.
At the age of 98, we have lost a truly extraordinary Canadian. I extend my sincere condolences to the Zajac family and to all those who mourn Mel's passing while celebrating his remarkable legacy.
Christine Normandin Bloc Saint-Jean, QC
Mr. Speaker, July 1 is fast approaching and, when it comes to tackling the housing crisis, there is a prominent local figure who stands out from the crowd and refuses to give in to fatalism. Jean-François Tremblay, an impact real estate investor—but more importantly, a man of compassion—is demonstrating that it is possible to innovate and take concrete action to meet a fundamental need like that of having a decent home. His project, Domicile Fixe, offers 30 highly affordable homes in Vieux-Iberville, while meeting a wide range of criteria, including LEED, WELL and universal accessibility standards.
Even more remarkable is that these homes, which are untouchable by speculators, are based on a financial structure that receives no subsidies from any level of government. Jean-François Tremblay is a builder who dreams bigger than the others. His dreams are never an end in themselves, but rather the starting point for great achievements.
As he prepares to welcome a new addition to his family, I send him my warmest wishes for happiness. Just like his projects, this new adventure holds great promise for the future. I would like to thank Jean-François.
Yvan Baker Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, “Love for All, Hatred for None” is the motto of our Ahmadi community here in Canada. This is not simply an ideal. This is an action that the community practises every day. Its commitment to service, compassion and interfaith dialogue continues to make a positive impact in communities across our country.
Recently I had the honour to attend the international peace symposium hosted by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the caliph and worldwide leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The peace symposium brought together leaders from around the world to discuss actions to achieve peace, dialogue, justice and mutual understanding in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. I also had the distinct honour to have a personal meeting with His Holiness, the Caliph, during which we discussed a range of challenges that all Canadians are facing every day.
I sincerely thank the community for inviting me, for its service to Canada and, most importantly, for not only preaching the words “Love for All, Hatred for None” but practising them.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, 100 years is a century of memories, service and stories. In Newmarket—Aurora, we are preparing to celebrate a very special milestone as our friend and local Second World War veteran Mr. Jeffrey Reynolds turns 100 years old on June 29.
At just 18 years old, he enlisted in the North Staffordshire Regiment, joining a generation that answered the call when freedom itself was under threat. Like so many who served, Jeff rarely speaks about his sacrifices. Instead, he is full of stories of growing up as a young boy, stories that remind us how much the world has changed over the last century and stories that connect us to a generation whose sacrifices shaped the country we know today.
Turning 100 years old is an extraordinary achievement, but it also carries even greater meaning when that life was dedicated to serving others before it had fully begun. I ask all members of the House to join me in wishing Jeffrey Reynolds a very happy 100th birthday.
Maggie Chi Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep sadness to advise the House that Constable Marc Pinizzotto of the Toronto Police Service emergency task force was killed in the line of duty.
For 18 years, Constable Pinizzotto served with courage and commitment, putting himself in harm's way to make Toronto a safer place. Constable Pinizzotto was doing what police officers do every day, and these tragedies remind us of the danger that they face.
As Constable Pinizzotto's family and colleagues across the service carry an unimaginable loss, we honour the memory of a hero in life, a police officer who dedicated nearly two decades in service to his community. I extend my deepest condolences to the Pinizzotto family, the Toronto Police Service and all members of the policing community. May his loved ones find strength in one another in the difficult days ahead, and may we honour him as a hero in service to others.
Carol Anstey Conservative Long Range Mountains, NL
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Prime Minister has said affordability is the best that it has been in decades, even though some Canadians are crowdfunding their way through this cost of living crisis. He is so out of touch.
The costly Liberal Prime Minister is the only G20 leader to drag his nation into a recession. While families spend over 120% of their income on food and rent, new data shows the Liberal Prime Minister spent nearly $1 million in luxury inflight catering over just 14 trips. That could feed a family for 55 years. Two in five Canadians are struggling to put food on the table. In Newfoundland and Labrador, one in 10 people are unemployed, and many do not know how they are going to make it through this winter.
It is not global forces. It is Liberal choices. Every dollar spent on lavish Liberal catering is a dollar stolen from lowering taxes for Canadians. Conservatives would end this wasteful spending, cut the bureaucracy and restore common sense for Canadians.
Caroline Desrochers Liberal Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the battle of Trois‑Rivières, a historic milestone that occurred on June 8, 1776, in my beautiful riding.
At the time, the American colonies were trying to make Canada and Quebec their fourteenth colony. However, they suffered a crushing defeat at Trois‑Rivières and retreated. That battle marked a turning point. It helped to preserve our identity, our territory and our ability to stand up for ourselves. In many ways, this is where it all began for the sovereign and independent country that we are today.
This battle helped shape the destiny of what would become Canada and reminds us that my region played a defining role in our country's history.
Two hundred and fifty years later, we are commemorating not only this historic event but also the rich heritage of Trois‑Rivières and the work of those who preserve our collective memory.
I therefore invite everyone to come visit our region this summer and discover this important chapter in our history.
Shelby Kramp-Neuman Conservative Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, ON
Mr. Speaker, after 11 years under the Liberal government, Canadian families and businesses are under growing economic strain. Households are seeing wages fail to keep pace with inflation and with the cost of essentials such as housing, groceries and transportation, leaving less room in family budgets and less opportunity to get ahead. Businesses are facing weaker demands, higher costs and declining confidence to invest and expand, for five consecutive quarters.
Canada is in a full-scale recession, reflected in sustained weakness and investment, failing real income and reduced economic momentum across key sectors of our economy. Liberal policy responses are not adequately addressing the root causes: productivity, competitiveness and long-term affordability.
The task before this House is not to manage decline but to restore growth; to rebuild investment confidence, strength and productivity; and to ensure Canadian families and businesses can move forward with stability, dignity, security and opportunity.
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five colleagues who collectively have given more than 50 years of service to Canadians and are now moving on from federal politics.
First, I recognize the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie for his unmatched environmental and climate advocacy.
I also commend the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton for his work as an opposition member and, if I may, for his great taste in ties. I also want to thank the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for his work as an opposition member and for his impressive commitment to his riding.
I also recognize the member for Beaches—East York for his thoughtful and powerful voice in this House.
Finally, I recognize the member for North Vancouver—Capilano for his steadfast commitment to climate, natural resources and the environment.
I thank them for their service to democracy.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is time once again. All of the G7 leaders are gathering together, and our Prime Minister has lots to talk about. He can brag that he is the only one of them to lead his country into a recession in the time he has been in office. In fact, he is the only leader in the G20 to do that. The fact that Canada is in a recession is just one measure of the way things are not going well for so many Canadians. We have families living in RVs in parking lots, we have seniors sleeping in Tim Hortons because they have nowhere else to go, and we have food bank usage at record highs, yet the Prime Minister says affordability is the best it has been in years.
If this is the best, will he tell us what the worst would look like?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, as the G7 wraps up in France, I know Canadians are very proud to be represented by the Prime Minister on the world stage and will be very proud to learn, as he returns, that he returns with 13 new agreements that will generate over $5 billion of investments in our country, new contracts for critical minerals, new contracts for Canadian defence firms as part of the SAFE arrangement and new partnerships to build a stronger, more self-reliant Canada in a troubled world.
Andrew Lawton Conservative Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON
Mr. Speaker, we have heard the Prime Minister's announcements before. What we have not seen is real action. Again, the Prime Minister has travelled around the world and failed to deliver a single new free trade agreement, while Canadians suffer. Even the Liberals' so-called surveillance pricing announcement yesterday will not even be in effect until at least 2028, meaning it is yet another announcement that is not delivering results for Canadians. Of food bank users in Canada, 2.2 million in a single month last year, one-third are children.
When will the Prime Minister reverse course and stop driving Canadians into the food banks?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives are busy making videos, our Prime Minister is busy bringing deals. Members have heard it: 13 deals and $5 billion. That is what leadership is about. That is what Canada in the world is about. We are busy building the strongest economy in the G7. We have exports that are going to overseas markets. We are attracting a record level of foreign direct investment. Every day is a good day to fight for Canadians.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claimed that the cost of living is the best it has been in decades, but I have some news for him: We are in a recession.
Along with my Conservative colleagues, I travelled across Quebec last week to hear from entrepreneurs. In Beauce, Bellechasse, the Lower St. Lawrence, Saguenay and Quebec City, the conclusion is always the same: Investments are being postponed, planned expansions are on hold and some companies are moving their operations outside of Canada.
Does the Prime Minister understand that his greatest failure has been creating a climate in which businesses prefer to produce elsewhere?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, my colleague will be pleased to hear that the Canadian economy ranks second in the G7 in terms of growth. Not only are we seeing growth, but we are also seeing investment; Bombardier is a perfect example of that. Quebec's aerospace industry is thriving.
We have always been there to defend our industries. We have always been there to defend our workers. Together, we will build the most resilient economy in the G7. I hope that one day, the Conservatives will stand up to congratulate our entrepreneurs, our businesses and our workers. On this side of the House, we will do so every day.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, I think that the Minister of Finance is out of touch with reality. What we see on the ground, what we have observed, is that this is not working at all. What is more, a poll shows that 60% of Canadians are anxious because they do not have enough money and do not know how things will turn out.
Then there are our entrepreneurs. As I said when I asked the first question: they have stopped investing. Those who are already in the United States are sending all their business there. That means job losses in Canada. Where is the good news in all this? Everything has come to a standstill. Nothing is moving forward.
Does the Prime Minister realize that?