House of Commons Hansard #140 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was treaties.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
National Framework on Skilled Trades and Labour Mobility Act Second reading of Bill C-266. The bill proposes a national framework to harmonize skilled trades certification and facilitate labour mobility. Liberals argue it will break down barriers for workers, while Conservatives express skepticism regarding effectiveness and prioritize other solutions. The Bloc Québécois criticizes the federal centralization of provincial jurisdiction. The motion currently awaits a recorded vote. 8000 words, 1 hour.
Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act Third reading of Bill C-10. The bill establishes an independent commissioner to oversee modern treaty implementation. The Liberal government argues this mechanism ensures accountability and transparency regarding federal obligations. Conservatives oppose the bill, viewing it as ineffective bureaucracy avoiding direct ministerial responsibility. The Bloc and NDP support the initiative at Indigenous partners' request, though both express skepticism regarding lack of enforcement mechanisms and the government's record on reconciliation. 33900 words, 4 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Air Transportation Heather McPherson (NDP) requests an emergency debate on the federal government’s plan to open major Canadian airports to private investment, arguing this change threatens national sovereignty, security, job stability, and affordability for Canadian travelers. 300 words.
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
In this session of Parliament, Mr. Speaker, the Conservative Party will have a lot of opportunities to demonstrate its support for Canada, its industry, its workers and, yes indeed, for regulatory reform. We very much look forward to seeing how the Conservatives feel about regulatory reform.
Braeden Caley Liberal North Vancouver—Capilano, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this House today. I am here because we heard loud and clear what the north shore constituents had to say. It is a choice that was made for partnership over division, practical work over political theatre and the belief that our best days will not only be ahead of us but will also be built by us. The world sees this too, as evidenced by the historic levels of investment that we are seeing in the Canadian economy at a moment when we need it.
Can the Minister of Finance please update the House on how the newly announced productivity mega deduction can benefit all Canadians?
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, I have two pieces of good news today. The first is welcoming our colleague from North Vancouver—Capilano to this chamber, a hard worker who is going to be a big voice for British Columbia.
The second thing is the productivity mega deduction. This is the most comprehensive tax change in 50 years in this country. This is going to be a game-changer for businesses across this country. This is going to put Canada on top, with the lowest level of taxation for new investments in the G7. We are going to—
The EconomyOral Questions
Shuv Majumdar Conservative Calgary Heritage, AB
Mr. Speaker, throughout question period, we have heard it: the costs of managed decline and out-of-touch Liberals. Prices are rising and tariffs are crushing industries, driving investment away and threatening our livelihoods.
Whether it is Washington, Brussels or Beijing, we must build here at home through our projects, our resources and our people. We must save Canadians money. Confronted by war, we should turn to ambition and unleash our economy.
Will the Liberals dispense with middle-power thinking and massive spending, and instead fight for our families and our economic action plan and fight for our country?
Tim Hodgson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, why do we not talk about shovels in the ground? In Pickering, there are 30,500 new jobs; Darlington, 18,000 new jobs; Nouveau Monde Graphite, 1,000 new jobs; the Port of Montreal, 8,000 new jobs. Let me keep going. At BHP Jansen, there are 6,000 new jobs. I can keep going. Rather than rag on Canada, why do the Conservatives not actually try to build Canada?
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, the real nature of the current government is starting to appear: Shovel money at corporations and attack the rights of workers. Today, the Liberals will introduce legislation that would undermine collective bargaining in Canada. They want to eliminate workers' constitutional right to strike. The New Democrats know that to truly build Canada strong, we need a healthy and respected working class. It is workers who build this country and keep it moving. Why are Liberals intervening for wealthy investors, instead of standing with workers, who want fair and safe workplaces?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, this government has said time and again that we will always respect a worker's constitutional right to strike. If the member wants to be helpful, they will support this government as we invest in the skilled trades, many of them with unionized members, to build Canada strong.
We are investing in the trades and training. We are investing in unions. We are investing in workers. We are investing in companies. We are building Canada strong with the workers who power our country.
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) and in accordance with the transparency requirements set out in the amended policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to notify the House of Commons of the government's intent to initiate negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and Turkey.
The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with Turkey as soon as practicable, but in accordance with the policy, the commencement of negotiations will take place no earlier than 30 days from today.
François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (extension of the federal fuel excise tax relief).
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-39, An Act respecting certain measures to strengthen the economy.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Science and Research, entitled “Impact of the Criteria for Awarding Federal Funding on Research Excellence in Canada”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Tony Baldinelli Conservative Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide some brief remarks on the dissenting opinion put forward by the Conservative Party of Canada, as His Majesty's loyal opposition, on this important study conducted by the science and research committee.
First, I want to acknowledge that this report contains contradicting opinions and recommendations, and our dissenting opinion not only points this out, but also provides the Conservative position on several of the recommendations. In short, our position emphasizes the need for the Government of Canada, its federal research agencies and our academic institutions to return to merit-based research funding and hiring practices. Simply put, merit matters, and decisions based on merit and on the quality of the research topic and the individual researcher doing the work should be paramount.
The report also highlights the decline in viewpoint diversity, as well as the rise and concern of anti-Semitism being spread and fostered in Canadian universities. This report contains and captures excellent witness testimony, and I encourage everyone to review the expressions that were shared with the committee.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations among the parties, and if you seek it, you will find that there is unanimous consent to adopt the following motion. I move:
That, notwithstanding Standing Order 28 or any other usual practice of the House, the following proposed calendar for the year 2027, referred to as Option H, be tabled and that the House adopt this calendar.
House of Commons CalendarRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.
It is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition signed by over 500 members of military families across the country who have raised a great concern regarding access to safe, affordable and well-maintained housing.
As we know, the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members depends on them having comfortable places where they can live and raise their families. It is important that they have fair and equal access to that, that there is a proper assessment being done and that there is an increase in housing stock. We know that all this continues to fall way short of the needs of the over 6,700 military families waiting to have a home on base.
The petitioners are asking for a full review of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency. They do not trust its governance, its performance or its accountability. They are asking that the Canadian Armed Forces and/or the Department of National Defence takes over the administration of the current housing stock while building new housing stock, and ensures that houses are repaired and maintained in a timely manner to ensure a safe place where military members, their spouses and families can stay.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise on behalf of the people of Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola. I welcome everybody back to Parliament.
The first petition I wish to table is one that is very close to my heart. It is on the federal funding for the rebuilding and fast-tracking of the Red Bridge, a cultural and iconic landmark in Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola that was destroyed by arson. It connects the Kamloops mainland with the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory.
This is the first time I rise on this issue and I hope to rise many more times.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Diane Czyzewski and Celeste Fummerton, who have gotten behind the tin cup movement in Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.
Some 597 people have signed this petition asking for a livable pension above the poverty line of $25,252 a year. They sent me a lengthy document that I cannot read as I have limited time here, but I hope to incorporate it into a speech.
I thank Diane and Celeste for their devotion, and I stand with the seniors of Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.
Judy Sgro Liberal Humber River—Black Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition calling on the government to assist Canadians who are detained abroad and who rely on the government not only for documentation, but for meaningful, timely protection when their life, health and dignity are at risk.
The petitioners call on the Government of Canada to establish an independent public inquiry or commissioner-style investigation, with findings formally reported to Parliament, looking into how Canada responds when detained Canadians face sustained medical or humanitarian emergencies abroad. They also call on the government to strengthen parliamentary oversight and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence in consular decision-making.
Gaétan Malette Conservative Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I am bringing forward a petition from northern Ontario about designating Trans-Canada Highway 11 as a project of national interest.
People in my riding often ask me, “Why should we sign the petition? What is the purpose of signing the petition?” I tell them that they are reminding the government of how important highway safety is and how important their lives are.
Let me tell them that their message has been received in Ottawa. According to CTV News, the Prime Minister acknowledged the highway's importance, stating, “I know it's a priority for your representatives in the federal government because they bring it up with me.” The federal government has said it is willing to pay 50% of the cost to modernize the highway. We must keep signing this petition.
Helena Konanz Conservative Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I am presenting an e-petition with over 800 signatures on a very serious subject, which is cases involving high-risk federal offenders convicted of intimate partner violence. The petitioners ask that they would have to wear an active GPS electronic monitoring system, including either geofencing or exclusion zone enforcement where appropriate, which would provide a more effective means of supervising compliance with release conditions and enhancing victim safety.
I have heard about this over and over again from my constituents, and I know everyone sitting here today also has. I hope this will bring notice to the fact that people need to feel safe. They should not have to sign a petition like this, but it is extremely necessary, and I am proud to present this today.
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition brought forth by Emilie Grenier and Efficiency Canada, which was signed by over 2,400 Canadians, that calls upon our government to designate energy efficiency as a nation-building priority.
First, the petitioners would like to bring to the attention of the House their desire to double the pace of Canada's energy productivity. Second, they also wish to bring to the attention of the House the importance of eliminating energy poverty in Canada while progressing toward net zero. The timing of this petition coincides with national energy efficiency day, which we celebrate on October 1.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table a petition concerning striking security workers represented by PSAC Local 71250 at the Bank of Canada.
The petitioners note that these workers have been on strike since June 23 and that the Canada Industrial Relations Board has twice found that the Bank of Canada has violated the Canada Labour Code through the use of replacement workers. They are calling on the government to ensure compliance with the board's decisions, to strengthen the enforcement of federal anti-scab protections, to ensure Crown corporations respect workers' rights under the Canada Labour Code and to call on the Bank of Canada to cease the unlawful use of replacement workers and bargain in good faith toward a fair collective agreement.
Workers' rights under federal law must be respected, enforced and upheld.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour of rising to present a petition.
The petitioners asked that I present this petition on behalf of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are seeking one simple thing from the Minister of Fisheries, which is a new classification for a lobster fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador for personal consumption for local residents. They point to the fact that there is a sustainable population of lobster in the region, that this is a traditional cultural part of the life of people in Newfoundland and Labrador and that, if the Minister of Fisheries so chooses, they could create a conservation-focused lobster food fishery for traditional food resources to be utilized within Newfoundland and Labrador.
Grant Jackson Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be back here and to rise on behalf of the residents of Brandon—Souris to present a petition regarding an announcement from the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, which confirmed in April that it will be cutting six research positions at the Brandon agricultural research station.
This is a very important facility, not just for my constituency but also, indeed, for Canada's and North America's agricultural sectors. Much of the research that has been done at this facility has gone on to produce some of the most biosecure, resistant crops, which have dominated North America's agricultural industry and market. It is a shame that the government has decided to cut leading-edge research positions at this facility. The petitioners and my constituents are calling on the government to reverse its decision.