Gary Anandasangaree

[Criminal Code, February 13th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I agree with my friend from Kitchener Centre that there is obviously a need to invest more heavily in mental health supports.

Looking at how medical assistance in dying has evolved in the last seven years, as well at the way that Bill C-7 brought forward the issue of mental health as a sole underlying condition and where we are at today, can my colleague reflect on whether we are moving at the right pace or moving too fast? I think what I heard from him is a suggestion that we are moving really fast, but we are moving based on the science that is available. In fact, the expert panel report suggested that we are in fact ready to move forward. Could he comment on the available science on this issue?

[Criminal Code, February 13th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Montcalm for his speech.

I have to say that it has been a pleasure working with him over the last several months at the AMAD committee. He is an exceptionally thoughtful individual and I have learned a great deal from him.

Based on his numerous years of experience with MAID, and this particular issue of mental health as the sole underlying condition, could he outline for us, in a very short way, why he thinks there is a need to extend the deadline for the implementation of this provision?

[Criminal Code, February 13th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, at the outset, let me say how fundamentally different a view I have of the committee hearings and of the many experts who came forward and testified at the special joint committee, which is set to release its report on Friday.

I note that the member mentioned the expert panel. On one side he says it is supporting his position, and on the other side he is saying it is proposing to go ahead with MAID for those with mental health issues as the sole underlying condition. I do not think he can have it both ways.

Ultimately, the expert panel has recommended that we move forward. We have consulted with an enormous number of individuals and organizations. We have heard from them at committee, and I think it is very clear that we should be going forward. However, there is a need for prudence and a need to ensure there is a little more time available for experts to be ready with the right training.

I ask the member why he is being misleading in his debate regarding the many people who came forward and gave us a different perspective than his at committee.

[Criminal Code, February 13th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, some have opined that the extension sought today is potentially for re-debating the issue of mental health as a sole and underlying condition for MAID. I am wondering if the minister could outline why that is not the case.

[Justice, February 10th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, all Canadians deserve to be safe and to feel safe. The laws on bail are clear. If an accused person poses a serious risk to public safety, they should be denied bail.

At the Minister of Justice's direction, federal officials have been working for months with their provincial and territorial counterparts. We all have a role to play in protecting our communities. In fact, the Minister of Justice met with police chiefs from across Canada to listen to their suggestions on how to deal with serious, violent repeat offenders on bail. They agreed that we need lasting solutions that are tough when they need to be tough but also address underlying issues—

[Public Safety, February 10th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, Canadians deserve to feel safe and to be safe.

The laws are clear. If an accused poses a risk to public safety, they should be denied bail. At the Minister of Justice's direction, federal officials have been working for months with their provincial and territorial counterparts to develop ways to best keep Canadians safe.

We all have a role to play in protecting our communities. In fact, the Minister of Justice met with police chiefs from across the country to listen to their suggestions on how to deal with serious, repeat violent offenders on bail. They agreed that we need lasting solutions that are—

[Children's Breakfast Club, February 10th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, for many years, the Children’s Breakfast Club has marked Black History Month in Canada by visiting Parliament Hill. Hundreds of children from across the greater Toronto area pack onto trains provided by Via Rail and make their way to the Hill. During their journey, they are accompanied by special guests, such as the Hon. Jean Augustine, whom we all must thank for ensuring that Black History Month is recognized across Canada.

They learn about the many Black Canadian trailblazers based on the themes chosen for that year. They are Black porters, doctors, nurses and politicians who have left their mark on Canadian history for generations to come. This year's theme is “Emancipation Day”.

I will be happy to welcome the Children’s Breakfast Club back to the Hill, after a pandemic pause, on Wednesday, February 15. I welcome my colleagues in the House to join us as we recognize the contributions of Black Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

[Business of Supply, February 9th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I think it is fair to say that my colleague opposite is strongly defending what he believes is the right thing to do in Quebec. When my family came to Canada, Quebec was the first place we stayed, so I understand Quebec society fairly well.

It is in many ways a model society when it comes to the protection of minorities within the context of a country such as Canada, and of course, there is more to do. However, using the notwithstanding clause and doing it pre-emptively is not the way to protect Quebec society. I would suggest that Quebec has a lot to offer to the world, and as Canadians, we all have an obligation to make sure that Quebec—

[Business of Supply, February 9th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I value the opportunity to respond to this.

The Prime Minister has been absolutely clear that Canada is a country of the charter. We are the party of the charter. Our government is very much committed to ensuring that charter values are protected for all Canadians. I can assure the member opposite that the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister and our whole government will defend charter rights every step of the way.

[Business of Supply, February 9th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, we have an international human rights instrument that defines fundamental rights and freedoms. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a reflection of that in many ways, and in some ways it has gone much further than international norms.

I think it is important that we all abide by a basic set of values; sections 7 to 15 of the charter are critical components of the protection of rights for individuals. As a result, I think that any derogation of that should be thoughtful, should not be pre-emptive and should be able to withstand the test of the court. Therefore, it is important that, while section 33 is in the 1982 Constitution, it should not be used lightly.