Debates of June 2nd, 2026

Arab Heritage Month Act

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Clarke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise every time I get the opportunity, but in particular, for this very important private member's bill respecting Arab heritage month.

Before I get into the speech, I would like to take a moment, because it has been some time since I have risen in the House, to say what a great privilege it is to represent the great people of Northumberland—Clarke. It is a true honour to be here. I thank them very much for sending me here three times, and who knows, there may be a fourth.

The heart of today's speech is obviously Arab heritage month. I am going to start by painting the macroeconomic picture, and it will become clear as to why I am doing that.

Canada, right now, is in an economic challenge, really an economic struggle. Of course, as was said many times in the House, we are the only G7 country that is currently in a recession. Our GDP per capita has barely grown over the last 10 years. In fact, it is the worst growth per capita since the Great Depression. We also have an unemployment rate, which is rising, of almost 7%. It is nearly a third higher than the United States—

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, we are not on the opposition day motion. We are on a very respectful bill that was brought forward that deals with the Arab community. I would ask the member to be relevant.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

I thank the hon. member. We allow for broad relevance on these matters. I am sure the member will bring his remarks back to the matter at hand.

The hon. member for Northumberland—Clarke.

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Clarke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I will get to the punchline because I do not want to keep the member waiting.

We have always needed the type of entrepreneurship and innovation that has been led by Canadians of Arabic origin.

I want to tell members a story about a Lebanese gentleman who I got to know. His name is Ziad. He is not the member in the House. I think I am allowed to say that. I got to work alongside Ziad and it was an absolute honour and privilege. This gentleman is a true shining light for what Canada should be and what the Lebanese community in Canada is. When working beside him, I learned that there was not a business opportunity that this guy could not see. I will not get into the details of the business, but obviously like any business, it is important to have more sales to grow it and to be more productive. When everyone else said that they were not going to get the sale or the business was not going to grow, Ziad would always find a way.

If members have had the honour and privilege of meeting Lebanese Canadians, they know that, bar none, there are no better business people in this country or anywhere in the world. They bring with them an incredible power of positivity. They have a natural mind for business. They get to deliver those products and services, not just because they want to be successful or they want to make a profit, although we know that those things happen, but because they have a deep sense of community and believe, support and trust one another.

Canada is in an economic quagmire. We are in an extreme challenge. We have the most indebtedness of any G7 country outside of Japan. We are facing high unemployment. Our inflation is still within range of 2.8%, but is creeping up. We have the highest food inflation. A quarter of the population is food-insecure. While we have always been highly dependent on Canadians of Arabic origin, we are even more dependent right now, because we need their entrepreneurial spirit.

I want to tell members a story about my friend's dad. She told me the story. Her dad came over here with literally not a dollar in his jeans. He built a construction business. He did not speak English or French. He had everything in life stacked against him, but once again that incredible Lebanese spirit, mind for business, innovation and entrepreneurship shone through. Not only was he able to create a successful business, but he was able to raise a family and help build a community. He supported other Lebanese members of his community within Canada. His daughter went on to be a very successful lawyer. That is the type of entrepreneurship innovation that Canada is increasingly in need of.

One of the stats I will go back to again, if the member will indulge me to digress, but I promise to bring it back, is with respect to what is called the entrepreneurial drought in Canada. Throughout recent history, there have always been more businesses starting than closing in Canada. That ended in 2024. We are now seeing more businesses closing every day in this country. Actually, more businesses are now closing than are opening in Canada. In fact, over 50% of folks who are business owners today say they would not recommend to a friend or an acquaintance to start a new business. However, we desperately need that business in Canada. Certainly, government policies, as one government official said to me, have put a lot of snow on the runway and we need to clear it off now. I think that is very well put. We need to clear the path for these entrepreneurs so that the great entrepreneurs of Arabic or other origin have the ability to succeed and be more successful.

Ultimately, Canada has, I believe, the best workers, the best brains and the most intelligent people in the entire world, which is in no small part because of our diversity. We bring the best and brightest from literally all around the world. I have certainly been impressed by people of all different origins. It makes all the sense in the world to acknowledge that diversity with a spirit of inclusivity so we can allow all Canadians to achieve the economic dream that, unfortunately, because of 10 years of Liberal mismanagement, has increasingly become more difficult to achieve. We have a whole generation that is finding it very difficult to buy a house. The average age of first-time homebuyers is creeping further and further along. I believe all Canadians should have the opportunity to own a house.

I know that Canadians of Arabic origin will be there pushing, as they have with their tremendous legacy throughout the world. They, of course, have been responsible for breakthroughs in nearly every single discipline one can imagine, whether that is culture, mathematics, engineering or science. They have been there, making those breakthroughs, making our world literally a better place, including saving lives with medical breakthroughs.

Canada is more independent. We need Canadians of Arabic origin more than ever because, as one Liberal official said to me, of all of the snow that has been put on the runway over the last 10 years. Now I believe the population is over a million people who count themselves as of Arabic origin, and that is absolutely tremendous. I, for one, am hoping that number grows, because of the amazing contributions they have made. They are some of the best doctors in the world and some of the best engineers. As I said, my own personal experience is with several Lebanese business owners who contain this incredible energy of optimism and spirit that Canada really needs more than ever.

With that, I would say that this private member's bill, the Arab heritage month act, has my full support, and I look forward to it being unanimously passed. I say this as a House of Commons member and a people's representative acknowledging the tremendous accomplishments of Arab people. If I could, I would give a whole year, in fact, but I guess April will have to do.

It is my pleasure to stand here in full support of this private member's bill. I cannot wait for it to be law and to celebrate it here with some great shawarma.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on this.

I want to start by mentioning two historic Arab Albertans involved in politics. The first is my very dear friend, whom I call my brother. He is the member for Edmonton Manning. My friend was the very first Lebanese MP ever elected in the province of Alberta. Besides his being a phenomenal representative of the people, I have come to know his family very well. It is an incredible family. My dear friend also donated one of his vital organs to help save his son's life, which is further proof of what a fine gentleman he is. One of his sons later worked for me on a couple of my campaigns and did a phenomenal job, and then moved on to help out the provincial party in Alberta as well.

If I could find an Arab politician to live up to my colleague from Edmonton Manning, it would be Larry Shaben. Larry Shaben was the very first Muslim elected to higher office in North America. That was in Alberta. He was also the very first to serve as a provincial minister in Canada, even when compared to, perhaps, the equivalent in the U.S.

He served as a minister under the great Peter Lougheed, as well as Don Getty. I want to read a quote from Peter Lougheed about Larry Shaben, at Mr. Shaben's funeral: “We all know how much better we are because we knew Larry Shaben. We all know how much better Alberta as a whole is because of Larry Shaben.” I cannot think of a better tribute from one of the greatest Albertans ever to one of the other greatest Albertans than the one Mr. Lougheed made to Mr. Shaben. I wanted to bring that up.

I know that my colleague from Edmonton Manning, whom I would like to call by his name but I will not, will live up to Mr. Shaben as well.

The very first Arab recorded in Alberta was in 1912, known as Ali Ahmed Abouchadi, who was also from Lebanon. He and his uncle, Sine Abouchadi, moved from Lebanon and settled in Lac La Biche, which is now, I think, probably the largest Arab community in the entire world and the largest Lebanese community in the entire world, including Lebanon itself. It is a phenomenal community north of Edmonton that I have had the pleasure of visiting many times. It still maintains incredible Lebanese culture.

I also want to talk about a couple of friends of mine from Edmonton. As my colleague mentioned, we could spend all day talking about contributions from the Arab community in Canada, but I want to mention a couple of dear friends of mine whom I have known for many years.

The first is my office manager, Oula Sanduga. I know she is probably back in Edmonton right now planning my demise for mentioning her and talking about her in the House, because she is a bit shy. I have had the pleasure of working with Oula for 10 years in my office. Before working with me, she worked for the hon. Laurie Hawn, and before that, Peter Goldring. Oula hails, originally, from Palestine. She is a very proud Palestinian. I am very proud to have her with us.

Over the 30 years she has worked in MP offices, she has helped untold thousands of Canadians, whether it is with CRA issues, EI issues or especially immigration issues. We have people contacting our office from around the entire province, knowing that Oula is the one to help. She is considered by all of our offices in Alberta as the most senior, most educated and most experienced person to help out on so many files.

Oula has just returned to our office after very lengthy challenges, and I cannot express how happy we are that she is back with us. I know that my constituents express that exact same feeling. My predecessor, in part of my riding, the hon. Laurie Hawn, used to say about the constituency staff and the MPs that the MP is just the hood ornament and the constituency staff is the engine of the car. Oula is a phenomenally strong-running V8 engine in that comparison.

The other one I want to mention specifically is Oula's father, Dean Sanduga. Dean, of course, also hails from Palestine. He is an incredible community leader and has raised an incredible family. To this day, even though he is considerably older than me, he still stays very active in the community, helping newcomers, helping Canadians and helping Edmontonians. Again, I wanted to thank both of them for all the incredible work they have done.

Now, for the rest of my few minutes I have, I am going to plagiarize and read from a story by someone at the U of A, Sarah Carter. She is a professor there. I found some of the stories she was telling about Syrians coming to western Canada. One of her favourite authors is a gentleman named Habeeb Salloum. My colleague from Abbotsford may like this. Mr. Salloum was famous for writing books, including Arab Cooking on a Prairie Homestead.

One of Mr. Salloum's books concluded with a great comment, as Sarah Carter wrote, “'The saga of the Arab immigrants is truly the story of Canada.' He feared they were being forgotten, as those with Arab heritage sought to assimilate. He hoped 'fellow Canadians and others, after reading our family’s saga will feel that Arab Canadians have contributed to Canada’s history.'” I encourage people to read that book. Those are very strong words from Mr. Salloum.

I want to just start with some of the story that Sarah had written about Arabs in Canada, especially Syrians. She starts off with “Syrians have a long history in Canada. Paul Anka is perhaps the best known Canadian of Syrian ancestry.” I look around the House, perhaps at my colleague from Abbotsford with his love of Arab food. He is so young that I am not sure if he knows who Paul Anka is. I am looking around for the other grey hairs. There are a few of us. Paul Anka is a wonderful gentleman, and yes, I think he is probably the most famous Canadian of Syrian ancestry.

Sarah goes on to say, “there were others; many of whom we must consider 'Old Stock Canadians.'” I think she makes a reference just to show how long people of Syrian heritage and Arab history have been in Canada. It goes back to, as we heard earlier, the beginning of Confederation. She continues, “Somewhat less well known, for example, but still very popular in his day, was 'Canada’s King of the Fiddle,' Ameen 'King' Ganam, born in Swift Current in 1914.” I am aging myself. I actually remember who “King” Ganam was.

I see I am getting the wave that my time is up. I will come back to finish my last two minutes with the story about “King” Ganam and Tommy Hunter.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

The time provided for the consideration of Private Members' Business has now expired, and the order is dropped to the bottom of the order of precedence on the Order Paper.

A motion to adjourn the House under Standing Order 38 deemed to have been moved.

Foreign Affairs

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am rising at the hour of adjournment, or as we colloquially call it around here, the late show, to pursue a question I asked the Prime Minister but to which the response came from the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The question I asked was on March 9 and was in relation to the events of February 28, when, illegally, the government of Israel and the government of the United States authorized attacks, strikes, on Iran. In my question to the hon. minister, I quoted our former minister of foreign affairs, the Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, who actually wrote to the Toronto Star to say, “Canada once rejected America's aggressive, unlawful foreign policy. Today [the Prime Minister] embraced it.” He went on to say, again quoting Lloyd Axworthy, “Under the [United Nations] Charter, cross-border uses of force are prohibited except in two narrow cases”. He then pointed out that Operation Epic Fury, as the White House called it, applies to neither.

I wanted to ask the Prime Minister at the time whether he would belatedly condemn what the U.S. and Israel did in attacking Iran. The response from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, just to summarize, was that while we support Iran's never obtaining nuclear weapons, this support is not a blank cheque. Canada reaffirms that international law binds all parties. The U.S. and Israel must respect the rules of international engagement. In other words, this stopped and fell short of a condemnation of our allies' ignoring international law. That is in fact what we did. The condemnation should have been from Canada's government immediately.

I want to include in my brief remarks tonight while pursuing this question something that I rarely do. I would like to thank a member of the opposition benches, a newly elected member of Parliament from the riding that abuts mine, shall we say, my neighbour, the hon. Liberal member for Victoria, who was, prior to entering politics, associate professor of international law at the University of Victoria. He was unequivocal in issuing a written statement that Canada's response fell short.

I will quote the hon. member for Victoria as he was quoted in the Times Colonist: “Canada cannot endorse the unilateral and illegal acts of military force”. He went on to call for “a consistent Canadian standard, one that applies the laws of war and the principle of protecting civilians, whether the actors are allies or adversaries.”

The difficulty we have is that Canada should have been quick to condemn in the first Trump administration. I think we actually did that when the Trump administration tore up the agreement that had been reached with Iran, which was working. Of course the goal is to make sure Iran never has nuclear weapons. The Government of Iran is ruthless, ignores human rights, is abusive and also exports terrorism. Nobody questions that, but ignoring international law is a grave error. In the case of the original U.S.-Iran deal, it was working. It was “Trust but verify”. The international atomic energy experts were getting access to all the research facilities.

As the time passes, I wonder what the government is saying about the United Nations charter and international law. Is it only when it is convenient?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for her commitment to, tenacity with and passion for the issues that we both care about deeply. I also want to thank her for elaborating on the question because, on March 9, she never got to the question. She gave the Minister of Foreign Affairs lots of air time, but now I know what the question is. Without chiding too much, I am really glad to get to the question.

Let me be clear that Canada has been consistent and clear in its position regarding Iran. We continue to call for an end to the hostilities. We call for all parties to uphold the April ceasefire agreement, exercise restraint and respect international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to avoid actions that can further destabilize the region. Canada continues to work with international partners to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In parallel, Canada is working through the G7 to support coordinated engagement with gulf partners, which would restore that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Canada stands ready to support a Strait of Hormuz defence mission in only three potential areas, maritime logistics, demining support and satellite imagery, which would support efforts by the U.K. and France.

We must maintain pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to address its destabilizing behaviour, including nuclear and ballistic missile programs, support for terrorism and human rights violations, through sanctions and UN engagement. We must be unequivocal on this. Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, and its support for terrorism through proxies and on its own must end. The U.S. and Iran must reach an agreement that ensures robust International Atomic Energy Agency verification of Iran's nuclear program that limits Iran's ballistic missile program and addresses Iran's support for those regional proxies.

I also want to comment for a moment on the concurrent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. We are deeply concerned by its escalation and the risk of further regional instability. Real people are losing their homes and their livelihoods and are being put at risk. That is why we firmly support the Lebanese government's effort to restore, exercise full state authority, including through the disarmament of Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Canada, and to advance credible and durable peace. Our government will continue working with international partners to support an end to the conflict, the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Lebanon.

We are clear-eyed about the challenges facing the region. It is a region that is in disruption. A lasting solution will never be achieved through military action by anyone. It will only be secured through diplomacy, dialogue, sustained negotiations, conversation and goodwill. We have to reach a new position of understanding.

We remain guided by international law every day, and we stand ready to play our part. We will continue to prioritize and respond to the safety of Canadians in the region as well. We will work to support a return to stability in the whole of the Middle East.

The hearts and minds of Canadians are with the people of Gaza, the people of the Palestine as a whole and the people of Lebanon, including the south and Beirut, as we are with the people of the gulf who are bombarded daily.

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate my hon. friend, the parliamentary secretary, for giving such a thoughtful answer. He is quite correct that I did not get out the last words, which were, will the Prime Minister belatedly condemn these actions?

The actions have continued, as the parliamentary secretary indicated, from that horrible attack of February 28. We have now had the spreading of conflict in multiple directions. There are sanctions against Hezbollah and sanctions against Iran, but when are we going to talk about sanctions against Netanyahu and Israel for persistently violating international law?

Again, what can we do? I know it is complicated by Trump's attacks on Canada in terms of our commerce and trade, but the reality is that there are several great destabilizers around the world right now. There is Trump, there is Netanyahu, and there is Putin. How can Canada amplify our diplomatic efforts and consider sanctions against these bad actors?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I will close by reiterating Canada's position. We have indeed issued sanctions on two key ministers in the Netanyahu government, and we have issued sanctions on some settlers who have perpetrated violence in the West Bank. At the same time, we will call on all parties to stop hostilities and to uphold ceasefire agreements. A lasting peace in any region will only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue and sustained negotiations.

Canada is working closely with allies and partners in reducing tensions, trying to safeguard the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz and supporting the stability that underpins global economic security, while continuing humanitarian aid and the building up of democratic institutions and the people of the region.

Dental Care

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian dental care plan is one of the most significant expansions of public health care in a generation. For too long, millions of Canadians went without dental care because they could not afford it. They delayed treatment, lived with pain and watched manageable dental problems become serious health issues because the cost was out of reach.

The New Democrats fought to make this program a reality because access to health care should never depend on the size of a person's paycheque, pension cheque or bank account. Today, millions of Canadians have access to dental care because of the Canadian dental care plan. This is a success worth protecting. It is why I rise tonight to raise a serious and growing concern.

My office has been contacted by Canadians who have applied in good faith, were approved, received care and renewed their coverage as instructed. Many believed everything was in order, only to receive letters saying their eligibility was now under review or they may no longer qualify. Many affected are retirees, former union members, veterans and pensioners who made decisions about dental coverage through their unions or employers years ago, sometimes decades, based on the rules that existed at the time. Some were told that if they opted out of their dental coverage, they could never rejoin.

When the Canadian dental care plan became available, they applied honestly because they believed they did not have access to dental coverage. The government reviewed their applications and approved them. Now they are being told that information on a T4 or T4A tax slip suggests they may have had access after all.

Susan from Errington believed she qualified because she had opted out of her pension dental plan before December 11, 2023, and could not re-enroll. She has documentation supporting her position but no clear timeline for a decision.

Ian from Parksville left his former employer decades ago. He declined dental coverage because the premiums were nearly equal to the pension benefits he receives. He was told he could never rejoin. Now he fears being asked to repay benefits he received in good faith.

Allan from Coombs, a retired veteran, opted out of dental coverage in the 1990s because he could not afford the premiums. He was told he could not rejoin. Now he is caught in an eligibility review because rules appear to be changing decades later.

Joyce from Lasqueti Island had not seen a dentist in eight years because she could not afford private coverage. The plan finally gave her access to care. Now she worries that coverage may be taken away.

These constituents are not alone. We know people across Canada do not know whether they will lose their coverage, whether they can renew, whether documents have been received or whether they will be asked to repay benefits already approved by the Liberal government. Many cannot even speak directly to the officials reviewing their cases. They are directed from one department to another with no clear timeline for a decision. Even members of Parliament have limited ability to obtain updates. This is not simply a question of paperwork. It is a question of access to health care.

Will the government maintain coverage and protect renewal eligibility while reviews are under way? Will it establish clear service guidelines and standards, provide applicants and MPs with a dedicated point of contact, and ensure that Canadians who acted honestly and in good faith are not denied dental care because of gaps between government systems and the reality of their circumstances?

The Canadian dental care plan is improving lives. We must not allow bureaucracy, confusion and administrative barriers to undermine that promise.

[Maggie Chi, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member, my good friend from Courtenay—Alberni, for his very important question.

As the member mentioned, the Canadian dental care plan is the most transformative social program in a generation. More than seven million Canadians are now eligible for the CDCP, and more than four million Canadians have received dental services from the plan. During the most recent renewal period, more than 80% of CDCP members successfully renewed their coverage.

In the member's riding of Courtenay—Alberni, more than 29,000 people are eligible for the CDCP. That means seniors are receiving care that has been delayed for years. Children and young people are getting access to preventative care earlier. Families are saving, on average, about $900 per year through the program. At a time when many Canadians are feeling pressure from the rising cost of living, the CDCP is helping people access essential dental care with greater peace of mind.

As with any program of this scale, it is important that eligibility requirements are administered carefully and consistently. Health Canada regularly conducts eligibility reviews to confirm that applicant information aligns with records held by the Canada Revenue Agency. In cases where additional clarification is needed, individuals may be asked to provide supporting documentation, which the department then reviews before confirming eligibility.

The member has rightfully raised cases where, through no fault of their own, some individuals were incorrectly approved for dental services. I can assure the member that the department is working closely with impacted individuals and the members of Parliament who have raised this issue to find an equitable solution.

I know this issue is important to the member, and I want to emphasize that the minister and all of us are committed to ensuring the program works effectively for Canadians. That means making sure eligible Canadians can continue accessing the dental care they need while supporting a system that remains reliable and sustainable for the millions of Canadians who depend on it.

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I truly hope the Liberals will address these issues.

I have another emerging issue that I want to raise.

My office has been inundated with calls from seniors, retirees, veterans and pensioners who are confused, anxious and afraid of losing the Canadian dental care plan coverage because of yesterday's June 1 renewal deadline. Many applied honestly, were approved and received care but are now being told their eligibility is under review. Others missed the deadline because of unclear communication, delayed notices or confusion and now must reapply, risking a gap in coverage.

The government needs to understand the anxiety that this has caused. Requiring renewal creates unnecessary barriers, especially for seniors and vulnerable people navigating government systems.

The renewal deadline must be extended. No Canadian should lose dental coverage because of administrative confusion. The government must provide clarity and ensure no one is left without the care they depend on.

Will the government fix this?

[Maggie Chi, Liberal, Don Valley North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague and good friend from Courtenay— Alberni for raising this important issue.

Our government remains committed to ensuring that the Canadian dental care plan continues to deliver for Canadians. More than four million Canadians have already received care through the CDCP, and more than seven million Canadians are currently eligible for the program.

We will continue working to ensure that the program remains accessible, effective and responsive to the needs of Canadians.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

The motion that the House do now adjourn is deemed to have been adopted. The House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 2 p.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 6:40 p.m.)