Jennifer O'Connell

[Public Services and Procurement, October 4th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, we have said time and time again that we expect our procurement process to follow all the rules and regulations. Any misconduct will come with severe consequences.

The CBSA has already implemented a number of measures to strengthen the transparency around procurement processes. It is working with the various commissioners to find additional ways to ensure that Canadians can have trust in our procurement process with CBSA, and we are supportive of the CBSA's work in this area.

[Committees of the House, October 3rd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the member opposite's suggestion that a minister is hiding is not appropriate in the chamber. The committee has the ability to call and request witnesses, but making a reference like that is unparliamentary, and I would ask that she retract that.

[Correctional Service of Canada, September 27th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, it is not a surprise that the member opposite does not believe in training programs for inmates, which we know reduce recidivism. It is pretty clear that not everybody comes from a position of privilege, and not everybody is able to access education and training. However, we know that, when it comes to keeping communities safe, it is providing education and training for inmates that will keep our communities safe into the future.

[Public Safety, September 27th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, it is incredibly disturbing to see the member opposite talk about violence against women and then bring in their “carbon tax election” slogan. It just shows how disingenuous Conservatives are when it comes to violence against women.

If they truly care about protecting women, then they should support our position on moving forward to get guns that were designed for the battlefield off our streets. As we know, women are disproportionately affected by gun violence, and it is a shame that Conservatives serve the gun lobby ahead of women.

[Indigenous Affairs, September 27th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, any death by police is tragic and the systemic racism that indigenous peoples face in the criminal justice system is also a tragedy. This is something we know. We are putting together and have worked on a number of measures. There is definitely more to do.

I appreciate the suggestion that the member has made, and we will continue to work on this to ensure that everybody is safe.

[Public Safety, September 26th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, on every single measure that we have made, including investing in police to combat guns and gang units, Conservatives voted against, and they are against them. In addition to that, when they were in power, they actually cut the CBSA and the RCMP, which did this very work and which worked with our provincial and municipal counterparts in policing.

When it comes to addressing crime, Conservatives are all about cuts and slogans, and we are about action.

[Public Safety, September 26th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the investments we are making to make our communities safe.

We are moving forward on banning some of the most dangerous weapons, over 1,500 assault-style weapons, which are designed to kill. The Conservatives get upset because they are sent here to do the work of the gun lobby instead of keeping Canadians safe, in particular women, who are disproportionately affected by gun violence. It is a shame for the Conservatives to stand up and vote against these measures.

[Public Safety, September 24th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows well that the Parole Board's decisions are independent of government. What is sad is that the Conservatives would rather politicize the independence of our judicial system in order to create fear and to fearmonger for their own political gain. They want to undermine our democratic institutions for political gain. All Canadians should be very concerned about the Conservatives, their plans and their cuts to our criminal justice system.

[Government Accountability, September 20th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, once again we see the Conservatives purporting to support feminism and be against violence against women, yet what we know is that a vast majority of women are subjected to gun violence. What do the Conservatives do? They are silent. They take on the talking point of the gun lobby over Canadian women who are saying that we need to keep our communities safe and get restricted weapons that are meant for the battlefield off our streets.

Why are the Conservatives not standing up for Canadian women?

[Government Accountability, September 20th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, while the member opposite brought up crime and chaos in the streets, let us talk about what the member for St. Albert—Edmonton was doing in Ottawa streets just this past week. He was having cocktails and flirting with fascists who interrupted a Terry Fox memorial.

The Conservatives are spending more time with those who are flying Russian flags on Parliament Hill than being concerned about Canadians' safety.