Judy Sgro

[Strong Borders Act, September 17th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, I know how concerned my colleague is, as all of us are.

Bill C-2 is necessary today to deal with 2025 and the future years. The current legislation that our police officers and other officials have to deal with is outdated and needed corrections much earlier, had I had my way about it.

I look forward to Bill C-2's protecting my constituents and all Canadians as we move forward, and hopefully we will be able to work together to do that. I believe that, at the end of the day, we all want to make sure that Canada is safe and that we have the proper safeguards that are required.

[Strong Borders Act, September 17th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, that is a very important question. The bill has been reviewed and will continue to be reviewed. We all know that if it does not meet the calls in the Constitution, then those changes would have to be made. However, the folks who wrote up Bill C-2 clearly believe that it is within the framework that needs to be there to protect all Canadians and to respect our Constitution.

[Strong Borders Act, September 17th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to join the debate today.

I listened with great sympathy to every word said by my new colleague across the way. I understand the issue very well and sympathize with the challenge that is facing him, and many of us, which is exactly why Bill C-2 is so important in enabling us to make the kinds of changes necessary to give the tools that are required and necessary for the various policing organizations and other organizations that deal with the many issues that Bill C-2 covers. I am happy to be able to speak to it, as well as to welcome my hon. colleague here.

I want to focus my remarks on the provisions of the bill that deal with lawful access, which is an issue that many of us have heard about and talked about.

When the police want to investigate something, they often have many roadblocks in being able to do that. How law enforcement obtains evidence in investigations is a real challenge. These provisions, though, have sparked much public comment, and I would like to try to dispel some of the myths about them.

Before I do that, I want to provide some of the context that informs the bill that we are debating today. A key challenge facing the criminal justice system right now is that digital evidence is required in almost all criminal and national security investigations. The Internet has fundamentally transformed how many serious offences, such as extortion, fraud and money laundering, are committed. The online world also allows criminals to operate across borders much more easily. As a result, many types of crimes are easier to commit and harder to detect, investigate and prosecute.

The transnational nature of many types of crime and the storage of data in the cloud, beyond the reach of local law enforcement, makes international co-operation a necessity in many of these investigations. The evolving case law in this context also highlights the challenges that law enforcement faces in accessing key information required to investigate many of these serious crimes. I am referring especially to two decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada, in Spencer and in Bykovets, which address child sexual exploitation and abuse material and online fraud.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada, in Spencer, held that Internet users have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their identity when linked to anonymous online activity. Accordingly, the court held that the police need some type of lawful authority to obtain subscriber information in this context. The Spencer decision has had a significant impact on law enforcement investigations across the country. Since that decision, service providers, in the context of routine investigations, do not provide the police with any information relating to their subscribers without a court order.

In the absence of a specific tool to seek lawful authority to obtain subscriber information, law enforcement has been using what is called a general production order. However, this tool was designed for other purposes, and police are often unable to meet its threshold requirements, namely, to demonstrate that they reasonably believe that an offence has been or will be committed and that the subscriber information sought will provide evidence of the offence. If they do not meet those conditions, they cannot obtain a general production order.

That is just one example of the difficulties that our law enforcement officers and other authorities have when it comes to securing evidence that is required. These conditions are particularly challenging at the very early stages of investigations.

Bill C-2 proposes to address that challenge, post-Spencer, by establishing a new production order. It is designed specifically to allow the police to seek judicial authorization to compel the production of subscriber information. This would be done on a standard that is calibrated to balance the expectation of privacy with the needs of the state to pursue criminal investigations when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the information will assist in the investigation of an offence, making it something that should be much easier to obtain.

One of the key safeguards embedded in these amendments is requiring judicial authorization prior to the release of any subscriber information. Previous attempts by Parliament to address this issue proposed allowing the police to access subscriber information without prior judicial authorization, but in 2024, in R v. Bykovets, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in relation to an IP address that has been assigned to them. An IP address, of course, as we all know, is a unique set of numbers that identifies a device connected to the Internet or a private network.

The decision has created uncertainty as to how police can act when an IP address has been provided to them voluntarily. For example, when the victim of an online crime such as fraud identifies an IP address when filing a police report or when law enforcement receives tips regarding child sexual exploitation and abuse from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the bill clarifies that law enforcement can receive and act on information, including an IP address, that is provided to them unsolicited and information that is publicly available. This clarification would enable more timely investigations and reduce pressures on the criminal justice system, including police and judicial resources.

Bill C-2 would also modernize existing tools like the main research and seizure power in the Criminal Code. It has been in place for decades and was originally designed for the search of physical places and the seizure of tangible things. The proposed amendments address the examination of data stored on an accessible device by adding terms and conditions relating to the examination of the data. The proposed amendments seek to codify the Supreme Court of Canada's direction on computer searches set out in the 2013 decision R v. Vu. Related to this amendment is clarification that the Criminal Code's existing regime governing the detention of seized property does not apply to data obtained during an investigation.

As I previously mentioned, digital evidence is now required in almost all serious criminal and national security investigations. Often this digital evidence may be held outside of Canada; for instance, it may be held by social media companies. Existing mutual legal assistance mechanisms are often too slow for investigations that require digital evidence, especially in light of the volatile nature of data and the ease with which it can be moved or destroyed. Bill C-2 would establish a new mechanism, called an “international production request”, that would allow law enforcement to seek authority from a court in Canada to request subscriber information or transmission data.

Bill C-2 is important and is necessary for us to move forward in this new time in our world.

[International Civil Aviation Organization, September 16th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, on September 23, the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly will convene in Montreal, yet Taiwan, which manages the busy and strategically vital Taipei Flight Information Region, remains excluded. Taiwan's absence undermines global aviation safety and contradicts the spirit of the Chicago Convention. As tensions rise over the Taiwan Strait and concerns grow around China's use of the M503 flight path, Taiwan's participation is more critical than ever.

Taiwan has a strong record in air traffic safety and deserves a voice at ICAO. Exclusion not only risks aviation coordination but has broader geopolitical implications, including for global trade and Canada's economic interests in the Indo-Pacific. Excluding Taiwan from ICAO deliberations undermines our collective mission, because aviation safety knows no borders. Let us stand for safety—

[Committees of the House, September 16th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the three following reports from the Standing Committee on International Trade: the first report, in relation to the motion adopted on Monday, June 16, entitled “Measures Relating to the Canadian Border Services Agency's Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) System”; the second report, entitled “Selected United States and European Union Trade-Related Measures: Some Impacts on Canada's Fishing Sector”; and the third report, entitled “Canada’s Supply Chains and Expanded International Trade: Challenges and Measures”.

[Ukraine, June 19th, 2025]

Mr. Speaker, our government is taking strong, targeted action to support the people of Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for its ongoing war of aggression. In one of our most significant sanctions packages since the invasion began in 2022, we are imposing new sanctions on 77 individuals and 39 entities, and restricting trade on nearly 1,000 items, including those linked to chemical weapons, advanced technologies and critical industrial goods.

We are also expanding our crackdown on Russia's shadow fleet by listing over 200 additional vessels, now totalling more than 300, and banning all related services to disrupt Russia's global shipping networks.

Sanctions also target key financial institutions, energy companies and individuals enabling Russia's military and disinformation efforts. Canada stands firmly with the people of Ukraine as well as all those in the G7 whose courage and resilience continue to—

[Business of Supply, June 17th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, yes, I have been here quite a few years, and at many different times I have seen new ideas and things try to move forward that do not necessarily succeed without political leadership.

I continue to call upon all of us as parliamentarians at a very challenging time in front of us. We can either crumple up and say that we cannot do anything about this and that we are just going to give up, or we can turn around and have the kind of leadership our current Prime Minister is showing, along with my colleagues, to move forward into the EV sector and to encourage people to look at and try out these new vehicles. I am sure that once people have actually been in one, they will not want to go back to the standard vehicle of before.

[Business of Supply, June 17th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, I want to assure my colleague that all members of the House, I believe, have the right intentions to make sure we are protecting our environment and moving forward in a positive, safe way. This is a great opportunity for Canada for jobs, for production and for us to move forward, but as we move forward, we need to do so while being sensitive to the environment we deal with every day. I believe that by working together, all members of the House, and putting our best out there, we can be successful and can protect our environment and our economy at the same time.

[Business of Supply, June 17th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, it is nice to see my colleague back. I find the whole industry very exciting. Within our own family, we have a brand new, great big van that seats seven people, so when we take long trips, we have a great vehicle to do that. However, the vehicle used most in our family is a small electric vehicle. We have had it about seven years, and it has been maintenance-free for seven years. There is absolutely no cost to running this little car, and it is the cleanest thing around. It is very enjoyable to drive. We do not realize just how noisy traditional vehicles are until we get into an EV vehicle and there is perfect peace and quiet. It is amazing, so I think it is exciting times going forward.

[Business of Supply, June 17th, 2025]

Madam Speaker, it is great to see you looking so fabulous today, and in the chair and back to work the way I know you want to be.

I will be sharing my time with the great member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country.

I am really pleased to speak to the issue of EV cars, why they are so important and why we as a government continue to encourage that kind of investment.

We are gathered in the chamber at a pivotal moment, not just for our government but for the future of all Canadians everywhere. Beyond these walls, families, workers and business owners are thinking about what comes next. It is a very challenging time for our country, but also a very exciting time to look at a different way of doing business than how we were doing it and running the government previously. People are reflecting on the kinds of jobs they have and might have in the future and the economy and environment they want their children and grandchildren to inherit. It is a huge responsibility we have in our hands in the upcoming years as we move forward.

The shift toward electric and zero-emission vehicles is not about limiting choice, because as a government, we very much want to encourage more people to get an electric car and experience it. It is about creating new opportunities for Canadians and keeping our country competitive in a rapidly changing world. More than that, it is about living up to values that have always defined our national character: responsibility, ambition, a drive to build something better for the next generation and protecting our environment.

In a time of uncertainty when Canada is facing the impact of unjustified tariffs from the United States, it is important that we seize every opportunity to expand our industries, including the EV industry, and welcome the thousands of jobs that come with it from end to end, from mining critical minerals for EV batteries, which is very important and a great opportunity for Ontario, in particular, when it comes to the Ring of Fire and exploring the mining industry; to becoming a critical mineral supplier of choice for the world's EV manufacturers, which should make us stop and think about what it will do for our economy; to putting together the necessary infrastructure for Canadian vehicles to remain charged; to welcoming new automotive manufacturing opportunities. We cannot afford to turn these jobs away during a time when our economy, our sovereignty and our prosperity are in jeopardy.

During times of great change, it is easy to feel uncertain. That is understandable for everyone. Every great leap Canada has ever taken demanded leadership, vision and honest conversation, and I believe we are hearing that every single day from the new Prime Minister. In the case of our transportation sector, we know that vehicles are more than just machines. They are the backbone of many Canadians' daily lives. Whether it is work, school, family, opportunities or travel, so much depends on reliable mobility, and it is our job to ensure that mobility remains accessible, affordable and sustainable now and into the future.

Over the last several years, the global auto industry has been moving in one clear direction. People want cleaner vehicles because they care about what their families breathe and about the world their children will inherit. Across the globe, we see that countries and companies alike are racing to innovate, breaking ground on new factories and inventing new technologies designed to meet these demands.

Canada has the expertise. We have the workers, we have the minerals, we have the manufacturing capacity and now we have the vision to be an energy superpower for the 21st century. Since 2020, over $34 billion has flowed to Canada through major investments in the batteries and automotive supply chain, and that is just the beginning.

These investments are not distant promises. Factories are going up, equipment is coming in, and on top of that, developing new mines and new processing plants for a national EV supply chain will contribute upward of $16 billion to our annual GDP and create up to 40,000 well-paying jobs over the next decade for our children and our grandchildren. That is real economic growth with a real impact on real people's lives.

To realize these benefits, Canada has been building. We know that making the decision to switch to electric vehicles is a big step for most families. That is why we have invested in practical support. Canadians will benefit from a network of tens of thousands of electric vehicle chargers, funded by the zero-emission vehicle infrastructure program, and with the Canada Infrastructure Bank's deploying another 5,000 EV chargers, we are making sure charging is available for rural, remote and urban communities, ensuring range anxiety soon becomes a thing of the past.

Over the past weekend, I was at a local shopping mall. There were half a dozen chargers there, and every one of them was filled with someone filling up their car, which happens very quickly. They would move out and someone else would move in.

The electric vehicle availability standard that the Conservatives are opposing will actually incentivize the construction of thousands of new charging stations. We believe, on this side of the House, that Canadians deserve real, reliable information about their options. With every new charging station, every new awareness program and every new vehicle on the road, Canadians are moving forward, not backward.

Canadians across every province and territory are choosing electric. In 2024, approximately one in six vehicles sold produces zero emissions, and costs, contrary to some fears, are coming down. As manufacturing ramps up and technology improves, EVs are becoming more accessible, with over 80 models now available in various showrooms. For many, the switch is making life easier and more affordable by reducing fuel costs and maintenance costs. Cleaner vehicles also mean healthier air, something every Canadian wants regardless of where they live or how they vote.

The transition is also about more than private vehicles. Businesses are investing in greener fleets, municipalities are running zero-emission buses, and entrepreneurs from coast to coast are using Canadian know-how to manufacture parts and innovate new systems for the world. This is true Canadian leadership that we are hearing about every day: Canadian leadership at its best, building prosperity and protecting our environment at the same time. I would welcome my colleagues remaining in the House to become more supportive of this particular initiative, as it will be very helpful for our planet as we move forward.

Let us not forget why the work matters for our planet and our health. On-road transportation accounts for nearly a fifth of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing new technology, we are fulfilling our responsibility to reduce our footprint, which is a responsibility for each and every one of us.

We are also meeting the clear demand from global markets. Our trading partners across Europe, Asia and North America are raising their standards and seeking cleaner vehicles. To keep selling Canadian-built cars and trucks, we must meet these expectations. We must stay competitive, or we will risk falling behind and losing economic ground, which is not at all what we want to see.

When we talk about the electrification of transportation, we cannot overlook the foundation that makes it possible. With Canada's wealth of critical minerals, from lithium to nickel, and cobalt to graphite, we are one of the only countries in the world with all of the ingredients required to produce advanced EV batteries from the ground up. That is an amazing and exciting opportunity for all of us.

Developing Canada's critical minerals is not just a matter of resource extraction; it is also about creating a strategic, national supply chain, generating high-quality, future-proof jobs and reinforcing Canadian economic sovereignty in an era of global uncertainty. Every new mine and processing facility means paycheques in resource communities, and know-how that stays right here at home.

Globally, demand for critical minerals is skyrocketing. As the world commits to cleaner vehicles and low-carbon energy, countries are racing to secure stable, responsible sources of these essential minerals. This is a generational chance for Canada to lead, to supply not only our auto sector and EV battery plants—