House of Commons Hansard #128 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was violence.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Mental Health Parity Act First reading of Bill C-280. The bill proposes creating a federal framework to partner with provinces and territories to integrate community-based mental health, addictions, and substance use services into the public health care system under the Canada Health Act. 200 words.
Textile Labelling Act First reading of Bill C-281. The bill requires Canadian flags sold domestically to clearly label their country of origin on both the product and its packaging to ensure consumer transparency and support Canadian manufacturers. 200 words.
Service Dogs for Veterans Act First reading of Bill C-282. The bill amends the Veterans Well-being Act to categorize service dogs as eligible rehabilitation support for veterans and establishes national training and certification standards for these dogs in coordination with provinces and territories. 200 words.
Protecting Victims Act Report stage of Bill C-16. The bill, focused on addressing gender-based violence and victim protections, sparks debate over its potential impact. While proponents highlight provisions against femicide and online exploitation, Conservatives criticize a “safety valve” clause, arguing it renders mandatory minimums optional and soft on crime. The NDP, while welcoming femicide recognition, critiques the legislation for failing to adequately address the root causes of violence against women. 13100 words, 2 hours.
Old Age Security Act Second reading of Bill C-261. The bill proposes to amend the Old Age Security Act to grant a 10% pension increase to all seniors aged 65 and over, addressing age-based inequity created by the current government. Bloc Québécois and Conservative members support the proposed changes to extend benefits and increase the guaranteed income supplement employment exemption, while Liberals argue the current targeted approach effectively supports the most vulnerable seniors. 7700 words, 1 hour.
Adjournment Debate - Steel and Aluminum Industry This transcript covers three distinct debates. First, Heather McPherson (NDP) and Carlos Leitão (Liberal) discuss a national steel strategy and labour inclusion. Second, Matt Strauss (Conservative) and Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal) debate Canada Health Infoway funding. Finally, Brad Vis (Conservative) and Ryan Turnbull (Liberal) discuss private property rights in British Columbia. 3500 words, 25 minutes.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the pages.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Tamara Kronis Conservative Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC
Mr. Speaker, were those pages not wonderful in singing O Canada? They have created such a sense of harmony in the House.
There have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practices of the House, the deferred recorded division on the opposition motion scheduled for today be taken first.
Business of the House
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. Agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, people in Vancouver East want the federal government to stop the “invest now, regulate later” approach of the Prime Minister's AI data factory strategy. People are deeply concerned that the proposed AI data centres in dense residential neighbourhoods would bring constant air pollution from on-site diesel generators, 24-7 noise and impacts on water. It makes no sense to have water-intensive AI data centres on valuable land near their homes while historic drought conditions and water restrictions loom.
People in Virginia, home to the largest concentration of data centres in the world, learned that industrial-scale data centres are incompatible in residential neighbourhoods. In Ireland, 22% of the power supply is now reportedly used by data centres, adding hundreds of dollars to home hydro bills.
In the middle of an affordability and climate crisis, Van East constituents want people's rights to housing, quality of life, water security and affordable home power supply to come first, ahead of tech giants.
Ernie Klassen Liberal South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate National AccessAbility Week, which began in 1988. Inspired by Rick Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour, this week honours the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and reminds us that we can always build a more inclusive and accessible society. This year's Canadian theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.”
More than eight million Canadians face barriers in everyday life. Many of these obstacles are built into our homes and workplaces. As the father of a son with a disability, and a friend of Rick Hansen and of Canada's first chief accessibility officer, Stephanie Cadieux, I have seen first-hand the importance of designing our communities equitably.
This week, we celebrate the progress we have made so far and acknowledge the work of advocates whose leadership continues to break down barriers and inspire positive change. Together, we can continue building communities where everyone can participate and thrive. Let us create a fair and welcoming society for everyone.
Anna Roberts Conservative King—Vaughan, ON
Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Seniors Month in Ontario as well as Seniors' Week in Alberta and in British Columbia, it is important that we not only celebrate seniors but also highlight and confront the challenges too many of them are still facing today.
Too many single seniors, often older women, face high living costs while receiving fewer financial supports than couples do. A single senior can pay almost 10 times more in taxes than a couple with the same income, despite facing many of the same household expenses. At a time when affordability remains a serious challenge, many are struggling simply to keep up with housing, grocery and everyday costs. Single seniors should not be penalized by our tax system simply because they live alone.
Judy Sgro Liberal Humber River—Black Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite all parliamentarians to join us this evening for a special screening of Nekai Walks, hosted with our trusted partners at YAAACE, an organization doing extraordinary work with young people in Toronto. Taking place later today in Wellington 310, this powerful documentary tells the story of resilience, recovery and community in the face of gun violence. As we approach the National Day Against Gun Violence, on June 5, the film offers a timely and deeply meaningful opportunity to reflect and to learn.
I am especially pleased to welcome to the Hill, Devon Jones, founding director of YAAACE; Nekai Foster, the young man at the heart of this film; and the film's director, Rico King.
I encourage all of my colleagues to attend this important and inspiring event.
Leslyn Lewis Conservative Haldimand—Norfolk, ON
Mr. Speaker, as we mark Seniors Month in Ontario, we are reminded that modernization must include everyone. As new digital systems and artificial intelligence reshape daily life, we must recognize that not every Canadian has equal access to technology. In many rural communities, reliable Internet and cell service still do not exist. Seniors tell us that they are increasingly being excluded as essential services like banking become digital by default.
We cannot create a future where some Canadians are unable to participate in society. Progress is not measured by how advanced our systems become. It is measured by whether people still feel seen, valued and able to participate in society. No Canadian should lose access to society because technology has moved faster than infrastructure. Canadian seniors are not obstacles to modernization but part of Canada's great future.
Chris d'Entremont Liberal Acadie—Annapolis, NS
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the career of Colonel Luc Vachon as he prepares to retire from the Canadian Armed Forces, after 33 years of loyal, dedicated service to Canada.
Throughout his career in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Colonel Vachon served with professionalism, integrity and distinction in a wide range of operational staff and command appointments, contributing to Canada's commitments both at home and abroad. As commander of 14 Wing Greenwood, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the military members, civilian employees and families who served at one of Canada's most important air wings.
I enjoyed working alongside him on projects that have benefited the military members and civilians in our region. His dedication has earned him immense respect in our community.
On behalf of the residents of Acadie—Annapolis and all Canadians, I want to thank Colonel Luc Vachon for his remarkable service to our country and wish him every success and happiness in his retirement.
Dane Lloyd Conservative Parkland, AB
Mr. Speaker, this weekend, from June 5 to 7, thousands will gather in Stony Plain to enjoy the Stony Plain Farmers’ Days Rodeo and Exhibition.
Organized in partnership with the Kinsmen Club of Stony Plain, Farmers' Days showcases the agricultural heritage, community spirit and volunteerism that make our region such a special place to call home. For three days, Stony Plain will come alive with the Kinsmen rodeo, parades down Main Street, a midway with games and live entertainment, and the Farmers' Days market featuring over 160 vendors. Families can enjoy activities, from the heavy horse pull to train rides and petting zoos, that are fun for the whole family.
Farmers' Days is a celebration of the best of our Parkland region: our hard-working people, volunteers, local businesses and the strong community spirit that brings neighbours together, year after year. I invite everyone to come and enjoy this great celebration in our region.
Finally, I want to thank the Town of Stony Plain, the Kinsmen Club, the sponsors, the volunteers and the organizers for making this celebration possible. I wish everyone a fun and enjoyable Farmers' Days weekend.
Sima Acan Liberal Oakville West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding young leaders of the Oakville West Youth Council, who are joining us here on Parliament Hill today. This has been a remarkable year for this group. Together we visited the Halton Regional Police Service headquarters to see the work that our law enforcement does, Sheridan College to learn about future career paths to pursue and Oakville Museum to learn about why Black History Month is important and Oakville's contribution to it.
They also participated in a mock committee study on artificial intelligence, among many other meaningful experiences, including today's meet-and-greet with the Prime Minister. At every step, they have demonstrated curiosity, leadership and genuine commitment to learning and serving their communities. Spending time with these young people gives me tremendous hope for the future. They are thoughtful, driven and deeply engaged. They are not simply preparing to become leaders someday; they are already leading today.
I thank the Oakville West Youth Council.
William Stevenson Conservative Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sorrow for a community in Yellowhead. Two men and two children lost their lives on O'Chiese Road last Friday. While the RCMP investigation is ongoing, local leaders have warned for years that a tragedy like this would happen on that road. In March, I met with the O'Chiese First Nation council to learn about the long history of trying to get this road fixed. I drove the road myself, and it was atrocious.
The nation repeatedly sought assistance from the Liberal government, but its requests were ignored by multiple ministers, so the nation asked me to deliver a binder documenting the safety concerns and requests for action, which I did in March in the House. Months later, there is still no action.
Today, a community is grieving an unimaginable loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy.
There can be no more procrastination. I call on the Liberal government to work with Clearwater County and the Province of Alberta to finally provide its share of the funding needed for O'Chiese Road to be made safe.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette—Manawan, QC
Mr. Speaker, Amnesty International has launched a campaign to denounce the glaring underfunding of housing in indigenous communities. The organization focused on the situation in the Atikamekw community of Manawan.
Isolated and dependent on federal funding, Manawan is facing a severe housing crisis. Housing is inadequate, often unsanitary, overcrowded and poorly maintained: conditions that violate the right to adequate housing. The consequences are serious: the spread of disease, lack of privacy, increased violence, poverty and homelessness.
Despite the council's efforts, the lack of funding remains. Amnesty International and the community are calling for urgent action, and we are echoing their demands: invest heavily and sustainably, work in partnership with communities, adapt policies to guarantee dignified living conditions and put an end to discrimination.
Chief Sipi Flamand took these requests directly to the Prime Minister. We are calling on the Prime Minister to act now.
Helena Jaczek Liberal Markham—Stouffville, ON
Mr. Speaker, although we call them rare diseases, cumulatively they affect over 3.2 million Canadians. They are debilitating and potentially life-threatening.
One Canadian family watched their healthy 14-year-old child suddenly begin suffering from severe headaches, vision problems and exhaustion. After months of uncertainty, the child was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and deadly brain cancer. Through early intervention, surgery, treatment and extraordinary courage, that child survived and today continues to inspire others facing rare diseases.
Our government has committed $1.4 billion through agreements with all provinces and territories under the national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, to improve access to affordable and life-saving treatments. The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders is calling on Parliament to strengthen the next phase of the strategy beyond 2027 by improving access to diagnostics, treatments, research and care for all Canadians living with rare diseases.
No family should lose hope because help came too late.
Dan Muys Conservative Flamborough—Glanbrook—Brant North, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised Canadians the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Instead he delivered the only recession in the G7. He promised growth. Canada lost more than 112,000 jobs in just three months. He promised investment. Business investment has fallen for five consecutive quarters. He promised prosperity. Today, one in four Canadians faces food insecurity.
The recession is real. I hear it from families and seniors every day. It is real for families struggling to afford groceries. It is real for workers coming home from work and telling their kids they no longer have a job and that they are going to have to sell the house. It is real for Canadians watching their savings disappear while costs continue to rise.
The Leader of the Opposition has called upon the Prime Minister to hold an emergency debate to explain the plan to reverse the recession the Liberals have created, because Canadians deserve answers. Canadians deserve a plan, and Canadians deserve a government that will unleash Canada's economy once again.
Marie-Gabrielle Ménard Liberal Hochelaga—Rosemont-Est, QC
Mr. Speaker, Hochelaga has grown around a core value: solidarity. In this regard, the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve community kitchen, or CCHM, which works to promote food security and social and occupational integration, is a shining example of the group's strength.
The CCHM is celebrating its 40th anniversary. I know the people at this organization. They have probably baked the cake themselves. For four decades, this organization has been bringing together, feeding, empowering and training thousands of people by focusing on dignity, confidence and kindness.
For the past 10 years, the food hub on Hochelaga Street has been under the direction of Benoist de Peyrelongue, an innovative, ambitious and persuasive man with boundless energy and a big heart, who is here with us today. This project brings together urban agriculture, seedling greenhouses and a professional kitchen for food processing.
I wish this wonderful organization a happy anniversary.
I will close with a word of warning: the CCHM's pickled carrots can be highly addictive.
Dean Allison Conservative Niagara West, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals elected a Prime Minister they thought was an economic genius. They got fooled that he was a master negotiator. He sold himself as the guy to hire in a crisis. He caused a crisis in the U.K. and then ran away from it. Then he came to Canada and deceived people with his fearmongering and caused a recession within a year.
Canada is now the only G20 country in a recession. We have the highest household debt and the worst housing affordability, and unemployment, especially among young people, is at shocking levels. Investment is down for five straight quarters. Do not worry, though, folks. The Prime Minister has a genius master plan: He hides from question period and the media. He blames everybody but himself and mutters something about needing more immigration to fix the messy—
Leader of the Liberal Party of CanadaStatements by Members
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I am going to have to stop the member there. In my view, that was not parliamentary. I am sorry, but we have been over this many times.
The hon. member for Laval—Les Îles.
Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, today, I want to acknowledge the remarkable work of the non-governmental organization Medical Relief Group Canada, which promotes the Canadian values of solidarity, generosity and compassion both at home and abroad. Recently, the organization sent a large shipment of medicine to Lebanon and personally oversaw its distribution to ensure that this essential aid reaches those who are most vulnerable and in the greatest need.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation for the founders and leaders of this organization, who are on the Hill today, for their vision, dedication and leadership both at home and abroad.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, we are seeing the tragic effects of Liberal policies on the economy. Liberals want to be judged by their intentions, announcements, illusions and gimmicks, but Canadians will see the effects of Liberal policies in the grocery store aisle, at the gas pump, in the pink slips that are piling up and in the real numbers reported by Statistics Canada. The reports are in: Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. We have had recession levels of unemployment for months, with youth unemployment approaching 15%. One in four Canadians is food-insecure, and food bank use has doubled since 2020.
The Prime Minister is not working, and he certainly is not working for Canadians. Canadians want jobs, homes and hope. There is hope for this great country, but Liberals need to stop pretending that everything is fine. It is not. Canadians want a government that leaves behind the illusions and instead focuses on delivering results.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor Liberal Moncton—Dieppe, NB
Mr. Speaker, today, social workers from across Canada are gathered in Ottawa to celebrate the profession and mark 100 years of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. Having worked in the field myself before entering politics, I fully appreciate the vital role that social workers play in supporting the delivery of health and social services in our communities, to our families and among the most vulnerable. At a time when Canada continues to face overlapping social, economic and public health challenges, the role of social workers has never been more crucial.
Throughout 2026, CASW and its 11 provincial and territorial partners will celebrate the centennial with the theme “Reflecting on Our Past, Reimagining Our Future”. This theme is intended to guide the profession as it reflects on the evolution of social work, uplifts the voices of leadership shaping the profession today and envisions the next 100 years grounded in equity and reconciliation.
Please join me in celebrating social workers and the next 100 years of the profession in Canada.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, all in the group of 20 nations are faced with the same tariffs, wars and energy prices, yet 19 of the G20 countries are not in recession. One country is in recession.
Will the leader of the only G20 country in recession please stand up?
The EconomyOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
That is not a question; it is a request. We will go on to the next question.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canada has had two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP. It is the only country in the G20 that can say that. We have lost 112,000 jobs in the first three months of this year, and that has left our country with a quarter of its people in food insecurity.
Will the Prime Minister tell us whether we are in a recession or in a technical recession?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first, may I wish the Leader of the Opposition a very happy birthday? Second, I will even give him his question back.
It is my little gift to him.
What the government is doing is putting in place the foundations of an economy that will be stronger, more resilient and more independent. In the face of U.S. tariffs, in the face of global uncertainty and in the face of higher energy prices, we are seeing business investment accelerating. We are seeing wages growing at twice the rate of those in the United States. We are seeing this country put in place the conditions for sustained prosperity.