Justin Trudeau

[Seniors, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, we have seen first-hand the challenges seniors in long-term care faced across the pandemic, and all Canadians know we all need to act together. That is why we welcomed the release by the Health Standards Organization and the Canadian Standards Association, which is a good start to new standards.

We have also provided $4 billion to support provinces and territories in their efforts to improve long-term care in their jurisdictions, because regardless of where they live, we will continue to ensure seniors receive the quality of care they deserve.

[Justice, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, we know that survivors of sexual assault deserve a justice system that treats them with respect and dignity, a system that they can trust.

We have made it very clear that serious crimes must carry serious penalties. It is important that our justice system include a mechanism that allows for decisions to be appealed and reviewed.

[Justice, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice will continue to work with his provincial counterparts to see what improvements can be made, but while the members opposite continue to attack the improvements that were made to the system, they are misinforming Canadians.

When we brought out, for example, the criteria for when accused persons can be released, they were not changed by Bill C-75. The law is clear that people should be detained if that is necessary to protect public safety. The bill also put in place a reverse onus for certain firearms offences, meaning it is up to the accused to prove they can be released.

We are going to continue to stand up for Canadians.

[Justice, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to be there for victims of crime. We will continue to ensure there is less violent crime so that fewer people are made victims.

When we moved forward on our bill, Bill C-75, we did not change the criteria for when accused persons can be released. The bill put in place a reverse onus for certain firearms offences, meaning it is up to the accused to prove they can be released. The law is clear that people should be detained if that is necessary to protect public safety.

I know the Minister of Justice will continue to work with his counterparts across the country to ensure we are keeping people safe.

[Justice, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, our top priority on this side of the House is always the safety of our communities. That is why we have continued to make innovations and investments in bail reform and why we continue to work with the provinces and territories on these issues.

We will make sure we are keeping Canadians safe, but the Conservatives' so-called focus on community safety does not explain their opposition to stronger gun control laws. We are going to continue to step up to make sure there is a freeze on handgun ownership across this country and that we keep assault-style weapons banned across the country. The Conservatives continue to be in the pockets of the Canadian NRA.

[Health, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, during the pandemic, the federal government invested an extra $72 billion to keep Canadians safe and secure. Yes, we are here to deliver services and help Canadians, especially those in the armed forces and on indigenous reserves.

We know we can deliver the best services to Canadians by working hand in hand with the provinces and territories. Canadians are counting on us, so that is what we are doing. We will work hand in hand, not constantly pick fights like the Bloc.

[Health, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers and all Canadians understand full well that it will take additional investments in our health care system. That is what we are doing.

They also know full well that money is not the only solution. We need more family doctors, more support for mental health care, more help for frontline workers, more data, more information to improve the quality of care. That is what we are working on, together with the provinces.

While the Bloc Québécois is looking to pick another fight, I am very eager to work with the provincial premiers to get results for Canadians.

[Government Priorities, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, we are taking action to help Canadians who are facing difficult times. Yes, there have been challenges with service delivery in the wake of the pandemic this past year. We will continue to work to improve services and support Canadians. That is what Canadians expect.

Unfortunately, the Conservative Party voted against help for dental care and help for low-income renters. It has nothing to offer Canadians except recommendations like investing in cryptocurrencies to avoid the effects of inflation. That is ridiculous and irresponsible.

[Government Priorities, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, throughout our history, Canada and Canadians have faced some extremely difficult times.

We are going through a difficult time right now. Instead of throwing our hands up and saying that everything is broken, we know what Canadians are doing. They are there for one another. They are rolling up their sleeves to help one another. That is how we know that they appreciate the fact that we are investing in support for dental care and for low-income renters.

Our hon. colleague voted against these initiatives. We will continue to be there despite the Conservatives' opposition to investing.

[The Economy, February 8th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, as a government we stepped up to support Canadians during the pandemic. As a government we continue to step up to support Canadians during these difficult times of high inflation and high interest rates. That is why we put forward initiatives to double the GST rebate for 11 million families. That is why we moved forward with rental support for the lowest-income renters and dental supports for families who cannot send their kids to the dentist.

Despite all the rhetoric from the Conservatives, they cannot dodge the fact that they voted against those initiatives.