Justin Trudeau

[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are putting forward criticisms without having any idea how they would actually fix this problem. We know how to fix this problem. We are working with stakeholders in the United States and around the world to remind them that there are no shortcuts to becoming a Canadian, that crossing irregularly or illegally does not get anyone into permanent status any quicker than any other way. This is something that is important to emphasize.

The Conservatives are striking out, trying to create division and fear, but they have no plan to handle things differently.

[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, we are responding in an appropriate and measured way, with extra investments, to ensure we continue to apply in its integrity our immigration and refugee system.

The Conservatives' enjoy criticizing and drumming up fear and anxiety, but they have no plans other than perhaps to militarize our entire border. These will not work.

We are applying our immigration system in a responsible way. We are ensuring that it remains fair. We are ensuring that Canadians remain confident in the strength of our immigration system, because they can and should be.

[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, we are working with the U.S. government to move forward on issues that matter to Canadians, and that includes border security. It is important to understand, however, that our international obligations require us to review the claims of everyone seeking asylum in Canada. That is our responsibility. Over the generations, immigration has enriched Canada economically and culturally and helped build stronger communities. We are proud of our immigration system and will continue to invest in protecting it.

[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the challenge posed by the many irregular migrants that are crossing our border, especially over the past year and a half. I can assure Canadians that all security checks are being done, and that the immigration and refugee process is being applied in full to all newcomers, whether they are irregular migrants or not.

We know that we are fortunate to live in Canada, a country that is generally open to and positive about immigration. We will continue to defend this openness by ensuring that Canadians have a system that works.

[Ethics, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has among the strongest ethics rules in the world as it applies to members of Parliament, and we are always looking forward to doing more. We know that the trust people have in our institutions and government is the foundation of democracy, one that is shaky in some places in the world, not one that is shaky in Canada. However, we are always willing to do more.

We look forward to working with all parties in the House to look at how we can continue to bolster the confidence of Canadians in the excellence of these institutions we serve.

[Ethics, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we have a strong system and a commissioner who oversees on ethics and conflict of interest to ensure that all Canadians can have confidence in public office-holders and indeed every member of Parliament.

We ensure that we work with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, that we follow the rules and that we make amends whenever the commissioner brings forward concerns. That is what we will continue to do.

We thank the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner for his hard work.

[International Trade, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, I will not be negotiating in public. However, I will reassure Canadians, as I have throughout the summer and throughout this past year, we will not sign a bad deal for Canada or for Canadians.

I know the Conservatives are worried that we need to sign a deal, even if it is a bad deal. We will not be doing that. We will be ensuring that whatever deal we move forward with is the right one for Canadians. If there is not a good deal on the table, we will not sign.

[International Trade, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that the American administration has targeted our supply management system, but Canadians also know that I have repeatedly said that we will protect supply management because this system helps our farmers, helps our dairy producers, and helps consumers be confident in the dairy products they are buying. We will continue to stand up for not only our supply management system, but also the excellent work our dairy producers are doing across the country.

[International Trade, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, it has become quite clear to everyone that the New Democrats simply will not support international trade agreements. They do not grasp that this is good for the economy and good for workers. I want to reiterate our support for dairy farmers and for supply management. I commend the dairy farmers who came to Ottawa today to voice their concerns. We hear them. We will continue to protect supply management. I thank them for their work and for being here in Ottawa.

[International Trade, September 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, we have and are committed to protecting supply management.

Supply management is a system that works for our farmers and for consumers. It was a Liberal government that brought it in 40 years ago. We understand how important it is to continue to protect our agricultural industry and our dairy producers.

We continue to sign important trade deals around the world and ensure that we protect our supply-managed industry and, indeed, our family dairy farmers. That is what Canadians expect.