Judy Sgro

[Iran, April 14th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in response to deeply troubling reports of executions and repression in Iran, including the execution of six political dissidents by the regime in recent weeks.

In addition to this political repression is the escalation of the obsessive, systemic and ongoing persecution and scapegoating of the Iranian Baha’i religious community. As an example, Borna and Peyvand Naimi, two Baha’i cousins, targeted for their religious faith, remain detained, and have been reportedly tortured and, like others, coerced into false confessions.

Targeting people for their religious beliefs is a grave violation of worldwide human rights. Canada must continue to condemn these abuses, work with allies and press for accountability. Iranians deserve dignity, justice and freedom from fear.

[Petitions, March 26th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, it is a real pleasure to present this petition today from thousands of Canadians who identify themselves as single seniors. There is a growing number of Canadians who are doing that. Related to the treatment of single seniors under the federal income tax system, the petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to amend certain tax measures affecting pension income, tax credits and the treatment of registered retirement income on death, as set out in the petition. This is an important issue. I am sure all of my colleagues will support this kind of initiative as we move forward on improving our system of taxation.

[Committees of the House, March 26th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure and the honour to present today, in both official languages, the first report of the Liaison Committee, entitled “Committee Activities and Expenditures April 1, 2025-December 31, 2025”.

[Iran, March 24th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary courage of the people of Iran in the face of immense hardship.

Across that nation, citizens have shown remarkable bravery. In particular, the women of Iran have stood at the forefront, risking their safety and their lives in their fight for dignity, rights and democracy.

We are witnessing devastating destruction and deepening chaos, with innocent lives caught in the turmoil of conflict. This violence must end. We must strive for a peaceful resolution that paves the way for a transitional government, one that reflects the will of the Iranian people and sets the country firmly on a path towards democracy.

A free and democratic Iran remains the dream of millions, both within its borders and across its diaspora. We stand in solidarity with them and hope that this aspiration may soon become a reality.

[International Trade, March 11th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, in relation to the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 24, regarding eliminating forced labour from Canadian supply chains.

I also have the honour to present, in both official language, the eighth report, in relation to the motion adopted on Thursday, February 12, regarding Canada-Taiwan trade-related co-operation.

[Ukraine, February 26th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, at this critical hour, Canada calls on Russia to cease hostilities and withdraw to Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. Canada condemns the deliberate Russian attacks on energy infrastructure that deprive civilians of both heat and electricity.

Canada recently announced $2 billion in military assistance for 2026-27, including over 400 armoured vehicles and an additional $20 million for the Ukraine energy support fund. Furthermore, Canada has sanctioned 21 individuals, 53 entities and 100 shadow fleet vessels and lowered the Russian oil price cap. I commend Canada's leadership in the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and support accountability before the International Criminal Court.

For four years, families have endured profound hardship, yet their courage endures. Canada stands firmly with Ukraine for freedom, justice and a durable peace with legally binding security guarantees.

[Committees of the House, February 24th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the report of the legislative committee on Bill C-18, an act to implement the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Canada and Indonesia.

The committee has studied the bill, and I am very happy to forward it on to the House. It has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.

[Human Rights Advocate, February 10th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, I stand with voices around the world in denouncing the unjust and politically driven sentencing of Jimmy Lai, the latest chapter in the erosion of Hong Kong's freedom and independence.

This outcome was not inevitable. For years, advocates globally have called for the release of Jimmy Lai, and this pressure from the international community must continue. His sentencing is a clear violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a legally binding treaty lodged with the United Nations. Sentencing a 78-year-old newspaper publisher to 20 years in prison for peaceful expression is not the justified rule of law; it is repression. I urge democratic societies to answer this abuse with coordinated diplomatic measures and accountability.

Jimmy Lai's case makes clear that Hong Kong's courts now operate fully under Beijing's control. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, and I reaffirm my commitment to seeking his release, alongside that of all people in prison for their beliefs in Hong Kong.

[Committees of the House, February 10th, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on International Trade in relation to Bill C-13, an act to implement the protocol on the accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with an amendment.

[Iran, February 2nd, 2026]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an important development: the decision by the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This decision reflects the courage and determination of the Iranian people, who have endured the IRGC's repression for decades, including the tragic loss of life during the January 2026 uprising. For more than 20 years, democratic opposition leaders and thousands of parliamentarians from around the world have called for this designation, noting the regime's destabilizing activities across the Middle East.

This listing must be accompanied by further steps: closing the regime's diplomatic facilities, expelling its agents, cutting off its financial networks and recognizing the right of Iran's youth to resist tyranny in the pursuit of a democratic republic grounded in human rights. Canada acted by listing the IRGC in 2024, and today I call on the United Kingdom to follow suit and register the IRGC as a terrorist entity.